THE WAITING ROOM

A small British drama production, not seen one of these in a while! Could we have a classic style British realism movie on our hands or will it be another pretentious flop? Let's see now...

Written & Directed by Roger Goldby Starring: Ralf Little, Anne-Marie Duff, Rupert Graves, Zoe Telford, Frank Finlay,Phyllida Law, Daisy Donovan Distributed by Lionsgate UK Film will be released on June 6th 2008 in the U.K. Review by Michael Edwards

rating: 3.5

There are certain things a British film was once expected to be, these were down-to-earth, real and something that ordinary folk could identify with. True, this was largely the work of Mike Leigh and the kitchen-sink realism gang but I think there was always something a bit innate in British film that gave it a kind of universal sense of understanding. Even the abstract madness of the MONTY PYTHON films had a universal appeal thanks to their tapping into the mood of the time, the need to escape reality and by doing so identifying with the common man's reality. Am I rambling? Well I'll get on with it then: THE WAITING ROOM is one of those simple and touching films that recaptures some of the magic British film once had. The 'real people' populating this movie are led by Stephen (Ralph Little), a carer at an old person's home who has moved in with his girlfriend but just doesn't feel quite right, and Anna (Anne-Marie Duff), a single mother who lovingly looks after her daughter but has embarked on a doomed affair with her neighbour and best friend's husband George (Rupert Graves). A chance meeting between Stephen and Anna in a waiting room beside a train platform sets them both to daydreaming about what life should be - with real impacts for both of them. The stories themselves meander along nicely, with emotion and personal intrigue simmering along comfortably beneath the day-to-day chats about work, houses, schools and the other banalities of daily life in a way that's a credit to the scriptwriters. We're presented with plausibly mundane realities that don't cease to hold our attention and characters who manage to fall into these all-too-common personal dilemmas without seeming self-indulgent and stupid like certain American rich-bitches whose whining had Ray up in arms not too long ago and without losing one ounce of their likeability. Credit in this department must also go to the actors who all put in great performances. Of course the legend that is Frank Finlay stole every one of his scenes as a senile resident of the care home but eternally lovable nice-guy Ralf Little (who I had the pleasure of interviewing) was superb, even managing to pull of a ridiculously cheesy scenes including dancing to loud dance music in his lounge and wandering around the flat naked. A sensitive, simmering drama that is heart-warming and enjoyable to watch. It's certainly an evening well spent, though not life changing. Keep an eye out for my Ralf Little interview soon... FOR MORE ON THE FILM VISIT HERE
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