Filth | Film Review

Hey Guys x

I watch a lot of films, most of them I don't review either because they're old, or I didn't feel a particular way about them. I honestly thought that this film would go into the 'there's no point reviewing it' category - boy was I wrong!

On the surface, this film is about a detective sergeant in Scotland who is trying to solve a murder case. But Bruce Robertson is as dirty a cop as they come, he's manipulative, homophobic, sexist, racist, abusive, just an overall arsehole. However, as we delve deeper into the character, and notice that he begins to have what can only be assumed as a mental health breakdown, we start to understand what makes this man what he is. And the more we watch him, the harder it is to look away from this downward spiral.

That's the best way I could describe it, because let's be honest, this film is the best form of crazy.

The character of Bruce Robertson isn't someone that you're supposed to like. He's an awful human being, which makes him an even worse sergeant. Which is why I was so surprised when I found myself feeling sorry for him, and almost starting to like him, especially by the end of the film.
Layered characters make films worth watching, and he is honestly as layered as they come. There is so much going on with his character, that spills into the lives of the characters around him, that makes the film such a compelling watch.

I tweeted when I watched it that it was 'dark and mesmerising in equal measure', which is a statement that I fully stand by. This is a dark film, as many films that display the downfalls of mental health are. Now don't get me wrong, the film is also funny, at times laugh out loud funny. But the humour didn't take away from the realities of Robertson's condition, which I loved. Even if you've never had mental health problems to that extent (as I haven't), you are still able to really relate to this guy, and to feel for him.
But then, it was also mesmerising. For the last half hour or so, I literally couldn't look away. I couldn't think about anything but what was happening on the screen, and I just wanted to know how it was going to end. And when the ending came close and I realised what was happening, I was honestly close to tears. Because that's what the film does to you, it can take you from 0-100 in 90 minutes, giving you every emotion possible as you watch.

James McAvoy was amazing in the lead role. I've been watching a lot of his stuff lately, and when you watch interviews with him about this film, you can see how much he loved playing the character and, to this day, that this was one of his favourite scripts/roles. I can't imagine how it must have felt to receive such a complicated, layered script, but if the finished product is anything to go by, it certainly is an amazing piece of work.

This is a film that everyone should watch once. I'm sure it'll divide opinions, because it really is that crazy. But give it a shot, and hopefully you'll end up loving it as much as I do!

Lou xx