Plot: A corrupt cop manipulates and hallucinates his way through a bid to secure a promotion and win back his wife and daughter
Rating: 8/10
Filth definitely isn’t for anyone, especially people who take offence quickly or are sensitive viewers. It is a peculiar case study on the incomprehensible nature of human kind. James McAvoy is at his best as Bruce Robertson – he’s fallen so far and it has made him the nastiest of men. McAvoy is always a great actor and I wish to never find him in a mediocre movie that only inspires the most basic of emotions. What he does is raw and powerful and demands attention, he’s not some B star with a little bit of talent. Bruce Robertson is such a disgusting man and he’s cruel. It becomes obvious that you should dislike him intensely and not feel any kindness towards him, but his slow slippery slide into insanity is disturbing and the glimpse into how he always was is heartbreaking. It is clear that he used to be a good man, and that he seems to have had no control over his decline into the monster he became. Things I can’t deal with is definitely McAvoy in his natural Scottish accent, it is a thing of crushing beauty, and him with tears in his eyes. I JUST CAN’T.
Imogen Poots really impressed me. Amanda Drummond was a convincing, a no nonsense detective who seemed like the only person on the squad capable of doing her job. Nothing Bruce did could bring her down or make her like him. I respected the hell out of her because she wouldn’t take anyone’s shit and managed to be graceful and powerful at the same time. Poots was so authentic as Drummond and showcased her real abilities. I hope to see more of her in movies like this!
The movie is darkly satirical and has humorous moments. I’m still rather shocked by it all, and I saw this movie probably two to three months ago. It is never going to be my favorite movie of all time but it is still so important that these movies should be made. As for recommending who might like it, I only have this to say: don’t be faint of heart!
Life of this city girl 