The 18th century novel, The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, was thought impossible to film thanks to its endless digressions and conceits such as blank pages representing ones that have been ripped out. The early part of this comic film sees Steve Coogan as Tristram Shandy narrating his life story – including a winceinducing circumcision by window frame. But just as the original novel plays around with the theme of storytelling, the action on screen is suddenly halted and replaced with a supposed behind the scenes view, with Coogan now portraying a stylised version of himself.
Obviously not for anyone who prefers a straightforward narrative, A Cock And Bully Story has many standout moments – but doesn’t quite gel into a satisfying whole. It is extremely funny, though, with Rob Brydon stealing almost every scene he appears in, especially when adopting a Roger Moore accent to impress Gillian Anderson.
The cast list is an impressive array of talent and includes Dylan Moran, Ian Hart, Stephen Fry, and Mark Williams. It’s almost counterproductive, though – when Little Britain’s David Walliams appears in a tiny cameo role you’re distracted by the familiar face rather than concentrating on the movie.
Highly entertaining whether you prefer your humour slapstick or a little more intellectual Verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
