Review of Metroland (1997) by Alison O — 05 May 2004
Best in Show: Christian Bale.
One for the future: Emily Watson.
Stand-out scene: Confessional bath scene.
Brainer or no-brainer: Brainer.
Stands up to one viewing or repeated?: One.
DVD commentary any good?: n/a.
TV.
The Metroland of the title refers to both the commuter belt of London and the Paris tube system, this movie jumping between both regions throughout. Christian Bale stars as a London suit in the Seventies who recalls his post-school bohemian lifestyle when his best friend from school Toni (Lee Ross - Dodger off of Dodger, Bonzo and the Rest) reappears in his life. Toni is still living the free and easy life of the Sixties, trying to make it as a poet and passes scorn on Chris' safe suburban life - married with a baby. As a period piece it contains some interesting touches (Asda's logo in the Seventies, for instance) and Chris' time in Paris as a burgeoning photographer is effectively depicted. Emily Watson followed up her debut in Breaking the Waves with this film and shows early promise in her portrayal as Chris' wife. Often ponderously scripted, you've predicted the film's conclusion before the second half is underway and the shallowness of Toni's life is never really examined. Worth watching, but only the once.
This review of Metroland (1997) was written by Alison O on 05 May 2004.
Metroland has generally received positive reviews.
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