In the genre-bending dark comedy,James McAvoygives us his boldest character ever as a despicable protagonist.
As his life spirals out of control, he becomes increasingly unhinged, affecting those around him.
The film explores themes of mental illness, addiction, and moral corruption.
Image via Lionsgate
McAvoy’s Bruce has no hesitation at making those around him uncomfortable.
While the plot has many amazing twists and turns,Filthis an experience that goes beyond the story.
There are two sides to Bruce Robertson.
Filth is a dark comedy-drama directed by Jon S. Baird, based on the novel by Irvine Welsh. The film stars James McAvoy as Bruce Robertson, a corrupt and disturbed detective in Edinburgh who is vying for a promotion while battling personal demons. As his life spirals out of control, he becomes increasingly unhinged, affecting those around him. The film explores themes of mental illness, addiction, and moral corruption.
At one point, he even asks, See, every time a woman drops her trousers promotion.
Every time a man drops theirs disciplinary action.
Wheres the equality in that?
One example of Brucesterrible behavior towards his colleaguescomes from his interaction with Peter Inglis (Emun Mohammadi).
This bullying… this bullying has to stop, he says with despicable irony.
‘The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby’ tells a single love story three different ways.
Bruce meets Mary on the street as she calls for help for her dying husband.
His scenes with Mary sit in stark contrast to his scenes with his colleagues.
Instead of being wild and loud, he takes on a quiet demeanor towards her.
Bruces duality again surfaces as Mary visits him at work with her son in tow.
This is the man who tried to stash your daddy.
He helped when the others just stood back and watched.
Hes a fine man, son.
Id like you to be like him when you grow up, she gushes.
In response, he once again gets teary-eyed and offers to assist with anything she needs.
In the scene immediately following this, Bruce’s debauchery is on full display, as hewildly snorts cocaine.
His casting was, at the time, against throw in.
However, this archetype has since become a go-to form for McAvoy in his career.
For such a likable actor, he has certainly developed a penchant andknack for unlikable characters.
With just a facial expression, he is able to convey it all.
His portrayal is so daring, that he authentically manages toshock the audiencein key moments on screen.
In one scene, he cries while watching home videos of happier times with his wife and daughter.
Hes still crying, yet keeps the perverse phone conversation going through the tears.
McAvoy masterfully balances this array of emotions with seeming ease.
There is genuine upset on his face as he apologizes.
Filthis currently available to stream on Hoopla in the U.S.
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