Review of Young Adam (2003) by Johnnylee T — 19 Feb 2016
Dour Scottish erotic drama worth watching for Ewan McGregor's performance alone. Perfectly recreated depiction of 1950s Glascow and the River Clyde. The film in overstriving for effect leaves the viewer feeling detached.
Where does the title come from? Still baffled by that. The barge (which is actually owned by Ella, not her husband) is named the Atlantic Eve. Maybe this gives a clue.
Joe is very passive in his approach to women, even though he beds every single (or married!) one of them he comes across. More interesting sides to his character are not really explored, particularly his writing. We see him reading a lot but at some stage has given up on being a successful writer and throws his typewriter into the Clyde. One of his girlfriends who was supporting him while he tried to write his novel accused him of not writing popular stuff, I would have loved to have learnt more about that side of his life.
"I Made Some Custard".
It was during that scene I actually laughed, yes LAUGHED. Joe is sitting around trying to write his novel when his girlfriend, who has been supporting him for the last eight months, arrives home from work and accuses him of wasting his day while she's been bringing home the bacon. She asks him what he's been doing all day and Joe (straight-faced) replies he made some custard! McGregor is wonderful as he tells her that, perfect expression - I could imagine the actors bursting out laughing as the camera stopped rolling. Anyhow what happens after that sees our hero at his least passive! Controversially, his use of violence here is portrayed as possibly part of a sex game. I got the impression the director doesn't allow Cathie to be the total victim but we are not sure how far she is a willing partner or not. Joe doesn't console her afterwards or follow-up for her pleasure or tend to her. This mix of violence and sex is no doubt disturbing but their relationship lasted 16 more months and Cathie kicked him out in the end and they parted amicably, both agreeing their time together was up. Director's attitude unclear.
The score by David Byrne is very appropriate for the mood, with the sound of the cello coming out underneath all the broody goings-on.
This review of Young Adam (2003) was written by Johnnylee T on 19 Feb 2016.
Young Adam has generally received positive reviews.
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