Creative quotient

This is a film about a Hollywood star delving into deep introspection instigated by the death of his childhood, best friend. It’s a simplistic narrative that never becomes complicated. Returning from the funeral of his best friend Boots, Joe Scott (Daniel Craig) jumps into a flashback of his childhood and teens in a 70s British town.

As teens both Joe and Boots (Max Deacon) are trying to find their feet in a world that has the greatest sexual allure. Joe is attracted to a girl in his school called Ruth (Felicity Jones) but at the same time he is being seduced by his mother’s friend Evelyn (Jodhi May).

As it turns out the situation snow balls out of control and Joe is left in a mentally disturbed phase. Unable to cope with pangs of conscience and the depleted morality of the situation, Joe decides to walk away from it all and start afresh.

The story comes across as sensitive and deeply focused on intense human emotions. But a small glitch arrives as Joe and Boots’ friendship and Joe and Ruth’s relationship is not highlighted enough on.

Technical expertise

The screenplay is very slow, characteristic of any drama driven film. Fans of Craig’s spy avatar, James Bond, may feel restless as the star ponders in this movie rather than raise mayhem. Also characters in the film, although well written, do not have much scope for development. The narrative consists more of interactions and situations rather than focussing on character’s emotions.

The film misuses background score and music tracks, especially in flashbacks when Joe and Ruth are bonding while discussing Steve Bowie songs, the romantic numbers are played way too loudly in the background.

The film’s cinematography is par excellence. The sea side British town and Los Angeles look stunning and some of the camera work on the artistes is fantastic as well. Performances from most of the cast are good. Harry Eden, who plays a young Joe Scott, does a decent job of handling the gamut of emotions his character displays.

Flashbacks Of A Fool is a touching film, but it will please on those with a discerning taste of cinema.

Ratings

The cinematography, acting performances and storyline are worth a mention and make this one worth three stars.

Plot

A Hollywood star recalls his disturbing past after his best friend passes away.

Verdict

Touching film.

Box-office

World box-office did no favours for this one, no reason to see any difference in India.

Producers

Lene Bausager, Damon Bryant, Claus Clausen, Genevieve Hofmeyr

Director

Baillie Walsh

Story

Baillie Walsh

Cast