Review of Filth (2013) by Phil P — 10 Oct 2013

"Same rules apply (haha)..".

'Filth' is another adaption of an 'Irvine Welsh' novel. Naturally taking the same name as the novel and starring 'James McAvoy' as the unhinged, sociopath cop 'Bruce Robertson'. Iv'e never read the book (or any of Welsh's for that matter) so I can't vouch for how close it represents the book - but I can say that it's a great film capped with a career high performance for 'McAvoy'.

It centers on 'Bruce' a bent cop who divulges in drugs, prostitutes and anything else he can. Playing his colleges against each other in order to win a promotion but he's constantly hounded by visions and his deteriorating grasp on reality. It starts off relatively normal but as his problems appear and his mental health deteriorate the surreal elements such as some hilarious and creepy visions with 'Jim Broadbent'. There isn't really a story as such, the murder that starts it off isn't in way the focus but does serve as a catalyst for the rest of the film. What I really like is it doesn't hold anything back it shows dirty cops in full force - cocaine, prostitutes, the i-can-do-what-i-want attitude. And it's not just 'Bruce', 'Ray' (Jamie Bell) has a cocaine problem and anyone else caught in Bruce's area - he has a negative effect on almost everyone. It can't be denied that despite there being other characters 'Bruce' is miles further along as far as characterization goes. And despite his destructive and crass behaviour I didn't hate him. Usually there is only so far you can go with a scumbag before he becomes unlikable - but not here 'Bruce' is right at the end and yet I still liked him. There is an intending reason behind his issues - his wife and child left but it's the weakest part. Mainly because there isn't a link between the two, other than he misses them. But this is minor the bat-shit crazy, devious dick head that is 'Bruce' is far more interesting - I personally don't need a reason for it.

A part towards the end - a small twist that it shows, worked somewhat - in spite of me being aware of it well before it. The ending fits the film perfectly dark, demented yet funny at the same time - everything that encapsulates 'Bruce'. 'McAvoy' is in the performance of his life, i'd say award-winning and best of all it's is clear he is having fun and reveling in the role. The playful and twisted demeanor he brings never ceased to put a smile on my face. The other actors do a great job as well but because McAvoy's performance stands-out so much it takes away some recognition they deserve. The surreal visuals seen throughout like the tapeworm and the pig work within the context. The significance of the tapeworm may be lost on me but as visions and flashbacks the gravity that they hold is still strong and a necessary feature - this is a severely unwell and inside depressed man.

'Filth' is a brilliant, disturbing, dark and often hilarious adaption of Welsh's novel. A straight story of messed-up cop who is directing all his energies to mess other peoples lives up as his has already fallen apart. McAvoy's performance as 'Bruce' is nothing short of sensational one full of energy. There may be some elements lacking story-wise and some scenes are slightly unnecessary but it's a fun film that if seen as a character study is excellent. And the little animation at the end was delightful a nice touch for an animation lover like me. If you can stomach the depravity and full brunt of the bent-cop then you'll want to see this.