How meta can you get?
Posted by SpikeJul 29
In 24 Hour Party People, a wonderful film from director Michael Winterbottom that covers the early days of the Madchester scene, Steve Coogan portrays Tony Wilson. The film often breaks the 4th wall, with characters talking directly to the camera and the real people stepping into frames to comment on how they are being portrayed.
In Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story, Michael Winterbottom’s latest film (apparently just called A Cock and Bull Story in the UK), Steve Coogan portrays Tristram Shandy, Shandy’s father and Steve Coogan. I have not read the book but every review of the film mentions that the book is completely unfilmable. The film effortlessly moves between scenes from the book to behind the scenes “footage” of the cast and crew interacting, planning, fighting, loving, doing Alan Partridge impressions and making fun of Coogan’s appearance in the remake of Around the World in 80 Days.
In one scene, Tony Wilson interviews Steve Coogan about the film Tristram Shandy. A voice-over announces that the entire interview will be available as an extra on the DVD.
If you praise originality in film (or if you’re just a fan of Alan Partridge, ah ha!), you must see this.
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