Filth

An unbalanced retelling of another one of Welsh’s books suffers from an average director who loses the ground under his feet mainly in the second part of the movie, but at the same time was incredibly lucky in casting McAvoy in the role of Robb. A marvelous concert of acting that covers up almost all flaws. On top of that, the first half is just packed with great lines... This way to the staff recruitment center, dear Santa. (21/02/2014)

Always a pleasure to get an infusion of first-rate nihilism, plus combined with the formal adoration of the protagonist (slow-mo shots, hero voice over). Of course, there's a moment with every such film when it's discovered that it's all really a response to trauma, inner tension, sad childhood blah blah blah, and with that the whole Bukowski circus goes to shit. In Filth, thankfully, that happens relatively late. (11/03/2014)

An oddly hybrid film. The first half is a comedy, the second half a clear drama. It does work well as a whole and at least it makes you realize what an interesting country Scotland is. James McAvoy played a schizophrenic very well. I became a fan of his character right after the balloon scene. You hardly ever get to see such a scumbag. Eddie Marsan also gave a great performance. The soundtrack was excellent and aptly chosen, so it's very hard for me to find anything to criticize. I had fun. (21/08/2016)

James McAvoy is playing one of the most interesting characters of his career. And he plays him in such a spooky way that it sometimes made me wonder whether I was watching a comedy or a properly tangled drama with an unexpected and all the more interesting ending. Truth to be told, I think it was the latter, even though there were a few scenes I laughed at. But if you have some idea about Trainspotting or Acid House, you also have some idea about this film, as the same writer is signed under it. So count on absurdity and sometimes quite brutal scenes at the expense of fun. Everyone will probably find something different in this. Anyhow, the ending is quite a killer, and that’s exactly the reason why I was so happy with the film. I wish there were more such films with an unexpected ending. (26/02/2015)

If Irvine Welsh had written the book of the same name before 1992, I might have applauded him, but while watching the film Filth, I just felt like it was merely a variation of the 1992 film Bad Lieutenant, where a similarly corrupt cop was brilliantly played by Harvey Keitel. It didn't turn out any better in the remake Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans with Nicolas Cage from 2009. Filth is essentially just a British variation on the same theme, which unfortunately is sometimes too similar, although James McAvoy is very believable in it. I must, however, commend the absolutely fantastic selection of songs for the soundtrack. The film has an interesting progression in terms of what the main character perceives, but I think it could have gone even further. In that regard, it's not exceptionally unique and it only builds up well. (12/04/2014)