Review of High-Rise (2015) by Danielle W — 01 Oct 2016

I read the is book in 1978, living then in a block of flats in Bow, realising even then, that this was not prophetic but a giant emetic on the brutal 70's Britian that I had to inhabit. It was full of the torpor and sheer bloody boredom of the time which many films miss out on.

But this film certainly doesn't and it is so bad because of it. I felt as if I were watching some great actors auditioning for their lives, so bad were the performances: over-elaborate, poncey and pompous were the pained thoughts that ran through my constantly looking for the end credit eyes.

Hawes, Iron, Purefoy and Shearsmith are great actors who just tried to survive what felt like an exercise in giving other careers an undeserved lease of life. What is the point of Hiddleston and Miller? Could someone tell me why I have to watch this kind of privilege mediocrity? It really felt like the 1970's replete with the modern day Simon McCorkindale's and Jane 'Gossamer' Seymour floating about.

Horrible tripe. Those Briitish critics, defending Wheatley have lost much credibility here and if anyone wants a sort of disspassionte review of this wobble fest then have a look at the NYT review: the axe is out but it;s merciful.