I’m not really too sure if it’s odd or fitting that a movie so eager to be immersed in rave culture exudes a really strange rhythm to its narrative. Either way, it’s unexpected – or at least somewhat bracing – when the structure of Dowse’s film abruptly swings from a shrill, sneering dive to a sublime, almost cathartic ascent.
Nevertheless, Dowse’s film is engaging throughout, despite the fact that we’ve all witnessed the familiar spectacle of a modern musician loutishly destroying their life through sheer overindulgence on numerous previous occasions. In fact, Dowse’s film is one of those rare instances of a film finding an appealing pulse without containing any overly sympathetic characters (well, maybe just one).
As with his previous film, Dowse sometimes allows Pete Tong to get a little bit carried away, but he’s also smart enough to often return to the pokerfaced comic delivery that steadies his work. It’s the small jokes that work more than the loud stunts. Also, Dowse is wise to cast Paul Kaye as his lead actor. Kaye’s efforts give the film a strong foundation and he does a fantastic job at conveying Frankie Wilde’s inexplicable charisma, even if Wilde isn’t exactly likeable.
Of course, some of Dowse’s excessive moments are quite successful. Pete Tong may contain the best use of a man dressed up in a furry animal suit since Jonathan Glazer inexplicably dropped in a terrorizing bunny in Sexy Beast to create an appropriately intimidating effect. Actually, I think Dowse uses his Cocaine-Badger in a more effective manner than Glazer’s horrific bunny, but I also suspect I might be alone in my appreciation for these tactics. I might also be isolated in my enjoyment of both films.
by Chiranjit Goswami | Source: PVR
28 Mar 2007 11:53 AM | Submit Comment
