Review of Flashbacks of a Fool (2008) by Stacy C — 28 Jan 2009

Much better than expected, but somewhat middle-of-the-road stuff between not bad and not great. This is one of those low-budget artsy flicks with a small cast and wonderful acting and characters. Daniel Craig plays Joe Scott, a fading Hollywood star who is cruel to everyone around him and spends his time snorting coke and having threesomes to pass the time.

He receives news that his best childhood friend has passed away. We are then treated to the more substantial part of the story where we see Craig's character's childhood spent with mates and first adult experiences and his first love.

There are some issues regarding how one deals with loss and life lessons. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where we are treated to a great discussion between the works of musicians David Bowie and Bryan Ferry and who is better! The last act is also well directed and performed when Craig returns to meet his family after the funeral and catches up on old times and painfully realises what he has lost.

Great small scene and performance from Claire Forlani at the end too as Craig's childhood sweetheart and his best friend's eventual wife and now widow. Somewhat dark and depressing, but satisying at the end.

Good departure for Craig in a non-Bond role, although I was expecting a punch someone or take out a gun at some point in the film..Superb for fans of Roxy Music and David Bowie.