Review of Cul-de-sac (1966) by Alailson B — 28 Jun 2015

"Take me with you, he's gone mad".

'Cul-De-Sac' is a strange sporadic film with a strange rhythm. Trying to concentrate on what is; full of unlike-able characters, has dull scenery and what can only be described as 'attempts' at comedy wasn't easy. It's billed as a black comedy, with moments of suspense and drama. Yet all those thing were in short supply.

Despite a stellar performance from 'Donald Pleasence' as the increasingly unhinged and timid 'George', the film never really gets anywhere. It's a simple premise with a couple of crooks on the run having botched a job they come across an isolated house and take hostage until their help arrives. It's a film of few players with the most on-screen actors coming when friends of 'George' arrive unannounced.

It's a film of slow escalation, very slow. Something that works in favour of George's deepening insanity, until he's practically fried. I can't say I laugh much some of it may have been lost on me although I suspect I just didn't find it funny. The idea of a man in a women's outfit ceased to be funny years and years ago - unless it's done so well. Equally the dramatic tones are light and don't go beyond the pointing of a gun. It may deal with Polanski's usual elements but with very little ferocity or outcome.

Besides overall great acting, the odd joke and the great plunge into madness for 'George' 'Cul-de-sac' is rather dull. It's haphazardly paced with characters that change like the wind. One minute they're friends next there's a gun. Maybe I need to see it again to appreciate it but I'm not going to it's just not going to be worth it. And you can't make me.