Film Reviews

A Cock and Bull Story

• Rating:
• Director: Michael Winterbottom
• Starring: Kelly McDonald
• Details: UK, 94mins, 15s.

Coogan, playing himself and Walter and Tristram Shandy, and trying desperately to distance himself from his Alan Partridge persona, stars in the adaptation of Laurence Sterne's 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy' - a novel that is one of the cornerstones of English literature - and a supposedly unfilmable book. Supporting him is Rob Brydon (playing himself) who takes on the role of Uncle Toby. Adapting the book proves harder than first thought, as the film suffers from a low budget, last minute re-writes and Brydon's attempt at being a great actor despite his limited talent. On top of that, Coogan tries hard to keep his infidelity with his personal assistant (Naomi Harris) quiet from his visiting girlfriend (McDonald).
Not to be confused with an adaptation of the book, A Cock And Bull Story is a film 'about' the adaptation of the book. Winterbottom approaches it like a mockumentary along the lines of Spinal Tap and as with that comedy classic, subtle humour is the film's true strength. Just as the book itself "doesn't fit into any shape", neither does the film, as it bounces back and forth from real on-set footage to the documentary 'behind the scenes' shoot. Coogan and Brydon are both excellent playing 'themselves' and constantly match each other in the send-up stakes playing it straight, relying on character to get the laughs. A delightful cameo from Gillian Anderson, whom Brydon secretly fancies (in the film - not in real life), brings a certain reality to the plot as she expresses a desire to be included in the love story - that has to be written to include her - only to find herself edited out at the premiere. One of those movies that will get better and better from repeated viewing.

Review by Gavin Burke