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The Hide (2009)

Director: Marek Losey

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4 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

Fans of the BBC’s barbed political satire ‘The Thick of It’ (and latterly, its big-screen offspring, ‘In the Loop’) will recognise one of the key characters in this nifty, Beckettian two-hander from promising British first-time director Marek Losey, grandson of Joseph. Alex MacQueen, who plays scene-stealing Number Ten ‘spad’ Julius Nicholson in the TV comedy, offers something close to a tour de force in the role of tragic divorcee ornithologist Roy Tunt. It’s a turn so vibrant, funny and engaging that you could easily pop him in front of the camera and listen to him reel off an extended monologue like Rob Brydon in ‘Marion and Geoff’. For the first ten minutes, that’s almost what we’re treated to, until Phil Campbell’s tattooed, gun-toting drifter finds his way to the birdwatching hide in which Roy is ensconced with his binoculars and a big box of paste sandwiches.

The interaction between these two characters would be improbable in other circumstances, but the savvy, well-researched script from Tim Whitnall makes their banter not only entertaining but plausible. On the downside, it does turn into a stock mano-a-mano genre showdown in its final stages, with the obligatory twist feeling more like a formality than a necessity. But, thankfully, it’s all given a much-needed shot of credibility by the strength of the writing and the subtlety of the directing. Losey is a talent to watch, and ‘The Hide’ makes for one hell of a Hollywood calling card.

Author: David Jenkins

Time Out London Issue 2024, June 3 - 10, 2009

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User reviews of this film

Drummergirl90 said...

Posted on Jun 28 2009 16:48 Great movie. It was in the ISC Cinema, where I watched it for the second time. Great acting skills from both actors..
Chicken Sandwich Anyone?

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Drummergirl9086 said...

Posted on Jun 28 2009 16:47 I totally agree. It was at the ISC Cinema, actually I watched it on tv (Film 4) and in the cinema. It rocks, and great acting skills from both actors. Ones Phil Campbell, he was on a few adverts I think.
The other has left loads of movie clips of himself on you tube. Breathtaking twist I totally agree.
Chicken sandwich anyone?

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mark draper said...

Posted on Jun 09 2009 11:02 this has been on TV already. It was good, but why show on tv then release in cinema??

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james mcginty said...

Posted on May 05 2009 12:11 Wonderfully shot, great performances, breathtaking twist.

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