Review of 44 Inch Chest (2009) by Denis M — 02 Mar 2010

Sure, the movie doesn't really go anywhere (both in narrative and geography), but still, this is a dialogs/actors movie. Such is the case, each actor deserves a comment.

Ian McShane is amazing as Meredith, a "puff" gentleman, calm and sure of himself, but cruel at times.

Tom Wilkinson portrays a very simple and funny character (Archie) and can't really show all of his talent, but still, to hear him tell Mal about Colin's dream with the phone-booth and the clown is a delight. Every time he laughs is impossible not to "LOL".

Stephen Dillane plays Mal, which could really have been played by so many other actors, such as Gerard Butler, Daniel Craig, Tom Hardy, etc. But really, Mr. Dillane does a hell of a job and don't stay very far behind with the rest of this incredible crew.

Joanne Whalley is Mrs. Colin Diamond, Liz. She is great, but only shows that when inside Colin's head, acting even more brutally then the male characters.

Ray Winstone here resembles a broken down Mr. French, from The Departed (he even says "Do you understand that?" the same way). Colin Diamond was probably the hardest character to portray, since he goes from emotion to emotion (anger to sadness, hope to despair, etc.) so rapidly. Colin is a man lost inside himself, between his ego and his search for vengeance, or rather, justice. And Ray Winstone does exactly that.

Now, the best character as well as the best actor in the movie: Old Man Peanut, played by John Hurt. There just isn't any possible way to describe him. Hurt truly takes hold of every moment he speaks or is called upon. The movie pays itself every time John Hurt says C-U-N-T.