Lesley Sharp – Cut To The Chase

Directed By: Alan Clarke

Written By: Andrea Dunbar (Based on her stage plays)

Cinematography: Ivan Strasburg

Editor: Steve Singleton

Cast: Siobhan Finnerman, Michelle Holmes, George Costigan, Lesley Sharp, Kuruinder Ghir, Willie Ross, Danny O’Dea

Realistic story of working-class Yorkshire life, alternately serious and light-hearted, as two schoolgirls have a sexual fling with a married man.

This is a movie of its time and moment. A domestic drama and comedy of the working class that becomes a kind of sexual drama. We see each cohabitant’s personal lives and how their actions and situations shape their futures.

It offers a gritty and sometimes sad look with some laughs. No one is perfect or seems to make the so-called right decisions. This is an early film of an example of polygamy. The film is definitely an uncomfortable experience to sit through.

While this film on the other hand could be a fantasy come true or a T&A sex comedy or even the basis of a porno. This film shows the pain this causes not only the people in their lives but how it affects each other and even the enjoyable moments of the Union are short-lived to non-existent.

It’s a character study at heart given just enough info that makes us angry at the characters but not hate them. As they seem to show humanity just when ready to write them off. As the younger female characters seem to know no better and go along for fun and something new. There are no ideals just dealing with each and the results of the situation.

Not glamorous, Warts and, all realness to it. It keeps you interested as none of the characters has it all figured out or any grand plan all have weaknesses, yet try to portray themselves as invincible.

It offers a view of the future. Dealing with the best ways they can. A slice of life. Sticking mainly only to those in the love triangle.

It doesn’t help that most of the characters come off as despicable, the young ladies get a bit more sympathy. It’s a little more obvious why and they have a chance to grow out of it. Bob comes across as miserable in a midlife crisis and not-capable of getting better.

Throughout the film, it feels like a downtrodden and depressing experience not only for the situations at hand but even looking at any possible future for the characters.

A film that wouldn’t be made today for many reasons.

Grade: B-

Directed By: Peter Cattaneo
Written By: Simon Beaufoy
Cinematography By: John De borman
Editor: David Freeman & Nick Moore

Cast: Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Tom Wilkinson, Emily Woof, Tom Speer, William Snape, Steve Huison, Paul Barber, Hugo Speer, Lesley Sharp, Paul Buttersworth, Dave Hill

Six unemployed steel workers form a male striptease act. The women cheer them on to go for “the full monty” – total nudity.

This film was part of a wave of British films (Usually Romantic Comedies) that became Surprise hits in the united states. I remember this one being so popular when it first came out it made me resent it and not want to see it at all. I avoided it on purpose in theaters. I waited for the home video and then only rented it because my mother wanted to see it badly. Needless to say, she loved it and can say one was entertained by it. At its heart is really a man’s movie that was made for a female audience. The film touches on the need to take care of a family and how powerful you can become if you can’t

The premise is so simple and full of sentiment While it is built around depressing subject matter. That it remembers to touch on now and then, But not too much of a downer. Luckily not over-the-top sugary sweet either. it finds a nice balance. it never feels false, sour, or like it is pandering to the audience like a film such as THE BUCKET LIST, yet it is so crowd-pleasing, That one is surprised that no American studio thought it up.

It is the rare crowd-pleaser one can stand and recommend because it’s easy to watch. Though it offers some eye candy for the ladies. While none truly have additional on-screen bodies. They do come in all sizes, shapes, and colors

One of the original aspects of the film is that not all men are hunky they come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and ages. Some are even in the closet gay. The film does represent each demographic to appeal to the audience without them realizing it. The film moves along quickly, but the events happen at a natural pace that makes the film feel smooth.

You can feel the film pull you in certain directions and try to dictate how you should feel and react, it does manage to do in subtle ways instead of blunt.

The film has a great cast. Each character has their own reason and a dramatic situation that they are dealing with. It was especially shocking that one of the main stars was Robert Carlyle who one can remember playing the sadistic Begbie in TRAINSPOTTING. He made one hell of a transformation as one totally forgot his previous role and believed him in this one.

The film Has a strong retro soundtrack to bring the audience into the good times when the songs were originally released, Adding to their memories. That works almost like a Jukebox Musical only not devoted to one particular singer or time period. ironically the film would have a Broadway version. Which truly showed how beloved the movie, story, and characters were.

The characters are all working class from different aspects of life. So they are steadily identifiable to the audience. As we learn enough about each character to care about their plight and discover their particular quirks. Almost like members of a Heist crew. Where there is the recruitment for their gifts and what they bring to the table under the leadership of the leader who planned the heist in the first place.

Each has its romantic history and mojo that needs kindling or rekindling. There is even an LGBTQ blossoming romance

While there are clearly leading performers who we follow. The whole team is needed to complete the tasks and overcome the roadblocks.

GRADE: B

Tag: Lesley Sharp

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