FILM OF THE WEEK: FLASHBACKS OF A FOOL

SquareOne Entertainment

by Alexa Brown

Flashbacks of a Fool is blonde Bond Daniel Craig's first stab at the old producing lark. And so, perhaps unfairly, you can't help but hold him slightly responsible for the feeling of perplexity as the credits roll at the end of his latest offering. It's not that the film is bad. On the contrary, in fact, the majority of its 113 minutes is thoroughly enjoyable, but you cannot fail to spend a lot of time wishing it along, almost in the same way one leans into corners on fantasy X-box car games which, ultimately, makes absolutely no bloody difference to the outcome.

The film (directed by Baillie Walsh) follows has-been actor Joe Scott who is wasting his life on drink, drugs and naked romps (any Daniel groupies will no doubt be kept happy simply by the opening sequence in which his nude buttocks feature prominently). Following the news that his old childhood friend Boots (Max Deacon) has died, along with a harsh reality check from his agent, Joe flees to the beach where he reflects on his childhood back in England, and where we see for the first time the loves, lies and tragedies that shaped his adult life.

Craig's portrayal of Cole is convincing but you can't help thinking that this is because the part is, basically, him. And not only that, but it's also not particularly different from the other parts he's played: robotic, straight faced, and pretty much lacking any emotion. The film is moving in parts, but this comes mostly from the heartbreaking flashbacks to Cole's teenage years, where the younger character is played by Harry Eden.

The ultimate problem with this film is the timing. It seems to take an age to get started and then, when it finally does, so little time is left for bringing the pieces together at the end that you leave the cinema feeling as though you're missing something. The friendship between Cole and his supposed best friend Boots is seriously underdeveloped, and the emotional scenes at the end feel rushed and not highly prioritised.

Despite all this, though, Flashbacks of a Fool will do well. It's stylish, well-written and captures well the nostalgia and pain of a difficult childhood. There is also a cracking, retro-style soundtrack to be enjoyed that moulds perfectly with the look of the film. Bryan Ferry fans – get yourselves along.