Lawless Heart
Screening: 11 April 2005
UK 2001
Directed by Neil Hunter and Tom Hunsinger
Leading players ~ Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, Douglas Henshall.
99 minutes.
Synopsis
Stuart has drowned in an accident and the film opens with the funeral where we encounter Dan, Nick and Tim (Nighy, Hollander and Henshall). Stuart’s death has affected each of them differently and we see how they struggle with the emotions it has aroused – loss, jealousy and confusion, amongst others.Each story is told separately but intertwines with the other two.
Dan reluctantly reveals that he is married to Stuart’s sister, Judy, admitting “I once faked a broken heart but I ran out of energy”.
Nick has financial worries since he was Stuart’s partner in a restaurant business and there is no will to clarify who is to inherit the assets.
Tim is a hedonist with no respect for people’s feelings but, upon being rejected by the girl he fancies in the manner he has often treated others, he unexpectedly helps Nick and Dan solve their problems.
* * * * * *
While the plot of this subtly comic movie may not be new, it packs an emotional punch and authenticity missing from the Hugh Grant school of recent British films. The ensemble acting is terrific and Nighy’s performance is particularly engaging.
