Mark Joffe started out directing television, as well as horror and action films of rather questionable quality. This is the first of four films he has directed of very much the same tone, which is to say - dramatic comedies with multiple main characters, all of which are slightly eccentric. Those other three films are "Cosi" (1996), "The MatchMaker" (1997), and "The Man Who Sued God" (2001). This film is probably the one with the most depth. Characters here have moments of such true comedic and dramatic expression. Even the strangest of the bunch seem like real humans.
Anthony Hopkins is the real unexpected pleasure here. You rarely see him in comedies. Actually, I can't remember ever seeing him in a comedy before now. Certain passages in "The World's Fastest Indian" is about the closest it gets. There's a number of minor roles filled by some of my favorite actors. New Zealander actor Bruno Lawrence is always a pleasure to see. A young Toni Collette, Russell Crowe and Ben Mendelsohn are fascinating so early in their respective careers.
On the whole, "The Efficiency Expert" (the title I saw it under) is a light film. But it's the commitment to acting talent and dramatic truth that gives it a little more guts. I'm glad I saw it.
Anthony Hopkins is the real unexpected pleasure here. You rarely see him in comedies. Actually, I can't remember ever seeing him in a comedy before now. Certain passages in "The World's Fastest Indian" is about the closest it gets. There's a number of minor roles filled by some of my favorite actors. New Zealander actor Bruno Lawrence is always a pleasure to see. A young Toni Collette, Russell Crowe and Ben Mendelsohn are fascinating so early in their respective careers.
On the whole, "The Efficiency Expert" (the title I saw it under) is a light film. But it's the commitment to acting talent and dramatic truth that gives it a little more guts. I'm glad I saw it.