However, if you have been looking for that rare comedy that can make you laugh and still make you think, look no further: last year’s political farce In the Loop was just the sort of intellectually stimulating entertainment that every American should be watching but which few seem to be interested in. Unsurprisingly, this level of sharpness is found in a foreign movie, but for those of you with a phobia of subtitles, never fear, it’s a UK film by a Scottish director, and, barring certain actors’ thick accents, is in intelligible English.
Director Armando Iannucci brings his highly acclaimed BBC show “The Thick of It,” about underhanded maneuvering in British government, both to the Silver Screen and across the pond in this masterpiece of political satire. As the President of the US and the Prime Minister of the UK agree to a war in the Middle East, various officials in both governments scramble into action to either speed up or impede the march to war. Bull-headed but clever US Lieutenant General Miller (James Gandolfini) and gaffe-prone British Secretary of State for International Development Simon Foster (Tom Hollander) do their best, to varying levels of success, to block the movement; oily US Assistant Secretary for Policy Linton Barwick (David Rasche) and foul-mouthed and superbly vicious Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi), the Scottish political finagler, scheme to ensure the conflict’s approval. Said parties clash in DC to hilarious effect: we watch with equal parts glee and disgust as these “public servants” bolster their careers and interests by creating secret committees, bedding interns, leaking and altering documents, harassing subordinates, and attempting alternately to slow down and speed up a UN vote.
In the Loop is nothing short of brilliant. It displays tour de force performances by Capaldi and Gandolfini. The handheld, documentary-style cinematography aids in making the satirical world of vaguely familiar events feel uncomfortably realistic. Nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, the dialogue is quick and biting. And despite being so funny (and how I wish I didn’t have to use the word ‘despite’), it’s one of the most intelligent films of the past several years.
"In the land of truth, my friend, the man with one fact is the king."
— Linton Barwick
26/30
great post Michael. I remeber seeing a trailer for that and being interested but never following up. Definitely will do now.
ReplyDeletewell done. i will add another to the ole' netflix que.
ReplyDeleteI'm also putting this on my list. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
ReplyDeleteI walked in half way through this film when Michael was watching it and even though I really didn't get what was going on, found it very funny. I need to pick it up and watch it from the beginning some time. Definitely looked like another one of those brilliant acting ensembles; no a single dud in the cast .... but Peter Capaldi was pee-your-pants funny. Susan
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