Jul 02 2008
Let’s hear it for the Vikings!!! Faintheart, directed by Vitto Rocco, 90 minutes
Richard (Eddie Marsan) is a sales assistant in his day job, but a Viking warrior on the weekends. Cath (Jessica Hynes) is Richard’s wife, and is fed up with him not taking responsibility in his career and being a grown up. After Cath kicks him out of the house, Richard and his buddies attempt to formulate a plan to get her back.
This movie rocked! It was put together through an initiative of MySpace, Vertigo Films and Film4 called MyMovieMashUp. MyMovieMashUp gave UK MySpace users the chance to be involved every step of the way in this production. Over 800 shorts were uploaded in the search for a director. Key scenes from the script were posted, and users were able to suggest ideas and contribute dialogue. Over 1400 MySpacers auditioned via web cab or video for eight lead and supporting roles, and each role had MySpace profiles where a scene from the script or instructions for an improvisation were available. The production notes that were handed out at the screening are full of more information.
There’s a scene in the movie very reminiscent of the car sing along of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” from Wayne’s World. The characters are all working class, and you can relate to them with ease. Richard’s struggles to win back his wife feel very real, and heartfelt. Their son Martin (Joseph Hamilton) struggles with bullies at school due to the reenactments, and tries to get out of them without hurting his dad’s feelings.
Richard stays with his best friend Julian (Trainspotting’s Ewan Bremner), a trekkie who works in a comic shop. Julian has his own woman problems; he doesn’t have one, and can’t seem to find one that knows enough about Star Trek for him to be interested. Julian happens to live at home with his mother. This makes for some funny conversations regarding women and relationships.
Fans of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz will like this film, because it has the same feel to it as those. Hopefully Faintheart will be shown in theaters in the States, because the audience is there. Go see this if you get the chance.
Five trees out of 5
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