Click to read the article
Young Adam (2004)
Runtime: 1 hr 37 mins
Synopsis: YOUNG ADAM is David McKenzie's adaptation of Scottish Beat writer Alexander Trocchi's cult novel, a romantic murder mystery set on a barge in the canals of Scotland. Lovely photography by Giles Nuttgens, complemented by a lonely score by David Byrne, provides a picturesque backdrop for... YOUNG ADAM is David McKenzie's adaptation of Scottish Beat writer Alexander Trocchi's cult novel, a romantic murder mystery set on a barge in the canals of Scotland. Lovely photography by Giles Nuttgens, complemented by a lonely score by David Byrne, provides a picturesque backdrop for what is otherwise a seedy story of morality gone far astray and hopelessness taking hold of everyday life, with sex as the only outlet. Ewan McGregor and Tilda Swinton both lend excellent performances to the film, acting out a strained relationship of carnal misgiving that is their mutual respite. Working on a barge that travels to ports between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Joe (McGregor) is a randy ol' chap. He befriends Les (Peter Mullen) as they labor hard days shoveling coal and pass their evenings over pints and darts in the local pubs. But Joe is simply positioning himself to seduce Les' wife, Ella (Swinton), who he easily and frequently beds. A steamy affair with a heavy dose of on-screen coitus eventually leads to trouble for all three. A subplot concerns Joe's past romance with a girl (Emily Mortimer) whose mysterious death is reported in local papers, with flashbacks to raunchy sexual interludes representing his fondest memories of her. This movie screened in October 2003 as part of the 41st New York Film Festival organized by the Film Society of Lincoln Center. [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Tilda Swinton, Peter Mullan, Emily Mortimer, Ewan Stewart
DVD Info
Release:
Feb 9, 2005
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Anamorphic Widescreen
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
- Audio Commentary - 1. Tilda Swinton - Star, David Mackenzie - Director, Colin Monie - Editor, Laurence Dorman - Production Designer
- 2. David Mackenzie - Director
- Additional Release Material - 1. Ewan McGregor Original Passage deleted from film
- 2. Extended scenes
- Featurette - 1. Narration
- Trailers - 1. Bonus trailers
Reviews
Joe's affectless state of mind is expressed through the gritty visual texture and cold, grey-blue palette, flat, detached dialogue and above all Ewan McGregor's performance.
'From the grimy, scrabbling bodies to the barge itself, every surface seems to glisten with rain, sweat or grease.'
Watching it is rather like finding yourself impaled on a steel rod. It is sharp, cold, and thoroughly riveting.
McGregor delivers a frightening against-type performance in this dark but extremely well made Scottish drama.
I was much impressed with this superbly performed and tightly scripted noirish period drama.
Where it’s disturbing is in McGregor’s challenging, defiant performance...
The story's drab, attention-span-testing pace makes it tough to keep wondering what dark secrets shuffle beneath the surface.
A humorless and dank display of ashcan angst that leaves you wishing theater restrooms had shower facilities.
Related Forums
by: uatu13 9/21/04
Pictures
News
posted by Joe Utichi August 27, 2007
The Brit director introduces us to his "teen gothic fairytale."
posted by Joe Utichi August 26, 2007
Rotten Tomatoes UK heads up north to take in the sights and sounds of the Edinburgh Film Festival. And as the celebration...


Top Critic


