This week’s selection as part of Todd Mason’s ongoing blogging series, Tuesday’s Overlooked Films, is the 2009 British political comedy In the Loop. This title was previously referred to on Todd Mason’s blog when he was talking about political TV shows. And as Todd mentioned to me yesterday while this film may not exactly fall into the purview of “Overlooked Cinema,” it definitely deserves much more notice and recognition than it received upon its initial release.
Here is a synopsis of the film (Source: Official IFC Films website):
From the creative team behind the award-winning BBC series The Thick of It, In the Loop pokes fun at the absurdity and ineptitude of our highest leaders. With everyone looking out for number one, and the fate of the free world at stake (but apparently incidental), the hilarious ensemble cast of characters bumbles its way through Machiavellian political dealings, across continents, and toward comic resolutions that are unforeseeable.
I previously heard about this film at the Tribeca Film Festival and missed my opportunity to see it. When it received a wider theatrical release, I felt like it came and went. A little while later, I ended up watching it on cable one day and am so glad I did. The sheer ineptitude of the key players is on one hand hilarious, while also sadly being within the realm of possibility (if a little less hyperbolic).
In the Loop features an all-star cast that includes James Gandolfini, Peter Capaldi (my personal favorite character), Tom Hollander, Anna Chlumsky, Chris Addison, Steve Coogan and Gina McKee.
Check out the trailer here:
In the Loop is directed by Armando Iannucci and co-written by Jesse Armstrong, Armando Iannucci, Simon Blackwell and Tony Roche.
I tried to watch this once, but I had to turn it off. Which is strange as I know most people like it. Maybe I was in a grumpy mood on that day
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Nothing wrong with having a contrarian opinion 🙂
Y’know I almost turned it off myself as the amount of foul language is just excessive. I think the premise is funny but I would’ve enjoyed it more if the language wasn’t as vulgar.
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Well this does not bode well for me … I do not really remember the level of expletives being substantially high. Not that I curse a lot myself but maybe I am just desensitized to it.
Me and my brother and sister in law were having a similar discussion about this as it regards sexual content in films. We often take for granted just how sexualized mainstream fare is nowadays.
iluvcinema recently posted..Tuesday’s Overlooked Film: In the Loop (2009)
Well, I’d better stop making that Gore Vidal comparison, then.
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🙂
I saw this but it didn’t stick very much. Need to look into why.
I think it is one of those films that you either go with or not. What I heard is that the show “The Thick of It” was better than the film although dealing with a similar subject. I watched it a couple of times before I got “it.”
Pretty freaking hilarious with some awesome dialogue and lines. I didn’t love it but it’s a great script and a nice bunch of deadpan comedians.
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Gotta love the deadpan 😀
iluvcinema recently posted..Tuesday’s Overlooked Film: In the Loop (2009)
I know I’m in the minority as far as movie bloggers go, but I really do think the expletive in movies these days are way excessive and sex, well they’re more gratuitous than ever. But again, I’m in the minority in that regard, but fortunately there are still a handful films that have neither, but it’s becoming scarce.
ruth recently posted..Weekend Viewing Roundup: Three Musketeers (2011) & Lambent Fuse Premiere
Not sure you are that much in the minority more so that many people just accept it as a matter of fact. I am realizing its presence because I am around my nieces and nephews a lot and do not want to expose them to that stuff.
This certainly is an overlooked film, very funny and some great performances. Rewatched it a couple of months back and I laughed as much as I did the first time.
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Definitely worthy of repeat viewing 🙂
I’m with Ruth. If I’m watching a movie and I become aware that the language is making me feel as if I need a shower – I just stop the film. I don’t mind the occasional this and that, if the storyline calls for it. But the gratuitousness of it (in today’s world) makes me cringe.
I don’t invite people into my home that speak that way, why should I tolerate it on screen? I don’t even think I’m a prude. I just don’t want my ears and my pysche assaulted. I love the English language and I hate the idea that it is being diluted into gibberish.
Well my dad always said this about those who swear a lot – it is a result of a limited vocabulary.