Fatally, Craig's self-obsessed Joe never develops into anyone more interesting.
Flashbacks of a Fool (2008)
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Daniel Craig, Harry Eden, Olivia Williams, Jodhi May, Helen McCrory
Reviews
It's like an awkward (and how could it not be awkward?) marriage of The Cement Garden and Beaches; an intriguing bit of driftwood, an exotic wreck.
It’s a handsome picture but Joe’s lack of evolution is unsatisfying.
A two-hour whining session in which Daniel Craig plays fading actor Joe Scott.
An uneven drama that uneasily mixes Hollywood satire and coming-of-age tale, Flashbacks Of A Fool is hampered by its adventurous attempt to link the two. Much like its central character, Walsh's film is stylish but empty.
It’s a fool’s paradise for Craig as his fading filmstar looks back on how teenage hormones lead to tragedy. Walsh doesn’t fritter away Daniel’s magnanimity, but the lurch between Hollywood washout and ramshackle English adolescence needs more to bond.
Despite the skilful and evocative photography, the strong cast seem to misfire against the imbalanced structure and clashing styles.
When the record stops spinning Flashbacks Of A Fool doesn’t amount to much more than “learn from past mistakes and don’t take your life for granted”, but it’s strikingly shot, perfectly played, and rather well scored.
An array of small successes can’t support the crushing weight of the malformed screenplay. Not a complete loss by any means, though, and Walsh is a talent to keep an eye on.
Extremely well-filmed, with terrific performances from the entire cast. But the plot feels underdeveloped.
News
posted by Orlando Parfitt April 23, 2008
Daniel Craig's new film - Flashbacks of a Fool - suffers a disastrous opening weekend, coming in at only 11th in the...
posted by Joe Utichi April 18, 2008
The first-time helmer sits down with RT to talk about making the transition to feature films with longtime friend...
posted by Joe Utichi April 16, 2008
The Quantum of Solace star talks to RT about his passion project, Flashbacks of a Fool.


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