> In the Loop
Directed By: Armando Iannucci
Cast: Peter Capaldi, James Gandolfini, Mimi Kennedy, Tom Hollander, Gina McKee, Chris Addison, Steve Coogan, Anna Chlumsky, Paul Higgins.
Rating: (M) Movie reviews
5 stars (out of 5)
Reviewed by Mark Orton.
Probing about in the murky world of transatlantic politics is nothing new to director Armando Iannucci. Acclaimed in Britain for his television show The Thick of It, Iannucci has reprised some of the same characters and wound the cringe factor to 11.
Of particular interest is a role of Peter Capaldi as sadistic spin-doctor Malcolm Tucker. Scurrying between No.10 and The Foreign Office, Tucker not too subtly represents Alistair Campbell, Tony Blair's potty-mouthed press secretary.
On discovering the Minister of International Development (Tom Hollander) has hinted at the possibility of war in the Middle East, Tucker takes aim at everybody and everything.
Shot completely in verite style, it would have been easy to tread on Ricky Gervais mock-u-drama toes, if it weren't for the unashamedly coarse script. Words literally ricochet off the office partitions, as Iannucci's witty cast wrest the loaded dialogue into shape.
From insipid Toby (Chris Addison) trying to weasel his way into the limelight and getting caught out of his depth, to James Gandolfini's pacifist agenda, In the Loop barely pauses for breath between script gems.
Not content to send the Laugh-o-meter off the dial, Iannucci sets up a farcical UN conference to bring together all the main protagonists. And when you factor in that there is only room for Steve Coogan in a cameo role, it's pretty clear that In the Loop is blessed with an embarrassment of riches.
Best thing: The language; has swearing ever sounded so first-rate?
Worst thing: Having to wait for the DVD extras.
See it with: The buckle loosened, you will bust a gut.
