Quite a rare film in that Oldman concentrates almost solely on realism and spares little time for entertainment or humour.Not to the detriment of the film or Oldman's direction, Nil By Mouth is very much like a twisted Big Brother experience rather than a film to warm the heart.
The realism demonstrated is breathtaking. Winstone is terrifying, Burke downcast and even Big Mo is downtrodden in the face of Winstones violent nature.Whether Oldman himself has survived such an environment is a poignant question, to think people live their lives in such a way is an upsetting prospect.
Some have written that this film is depressing. Admittedly the themes of domestic abuse, alcoholism, the dim lighting, and lack of 'warm' moments make grim viewing, but it does not mean the film is not worth a watch (though at two hours it is a little over-wrought)
Probably one for film fans only, Oldman has made an auspicious debut. There is a personal nature to his film that suggests either a dynamic imagination or direct experience in childhood. I would like to think the former but the scripting and claustrophobic intensity of his direction and characterisation suggests differently.
As ever Winstone believable, and also a great soundtrack.
The realism demonstrated is breathtaking. Winstone is terrifying, Burke downcast and even Big Mo is downtrodden in the face of Winstones violent nature.Whether Oldman himself has survived such an environment is a poignant question, to think people live their lives in such a way is an upsetting prospect.
Some have written that this film is depressing. Admittedly the themes of domestic abuse, alcoholism, the dim lighting, and lack of 'warm' moments make grim viewing, but it does not mean the film is not worth a watch (though at two hours it is a little over-wrought)
Probably one for film fans only, Oldman has made an auspicious debut. There is a personal nature to his film that suggests either a dynamic imagination or direct experience in childhood. I would like to think the former but the scripting and claustrophobic intensity of his direction and characterisation suggests differently.
As ever Winstone believable, and also a great soundtrack.