I just don't know what to say about this. A deeply strange film that is almost a comedy, almost a horror, almost nothing. Very funny in places - although not so as you would laugh out loud - this film is really made by some top-notch acting. William Dafoe and especially Eddie Izzard - in a role made for him - are superb, and all the performances and characterisations are pitched just right. The idea is also wonderful, full of in-jokes and period charm.
So why aren't I raving about this, then? I guess because the film is, fundamentally, very slight, short, and just missing a little depth that would make it one of the best films of the year. We could do with a little more time to spend on the characters, and just a little more tension. As it is it's over almost before we've begun - but what's happened to all the people - like Gustav - that we met before? Are they dead, or just not on the set?
This is certainly worth seeing, and very good fun, but ends just a little short of the masterpiece they were shooting on the set.
So why aren't I raving about this, then? I guess because the film is, fundamentally, very slight, short, and just missing a little depth that would make it one of the best films of the year. We could do with a little more time to spend on the characters, and just a little more tension. As it is it's over almost before we've begun - but what's happened to all the people - like Gustav - that we met before? Are they dead, or just not on the set?
This is certainly worth seeing, and very good fun, but ends just a little short of the masterpiece they were shooting on the set.