Think it's time for the epic countdown to start: 19 days until Christmas : ) Please be patient with...
Think it's time for the epic countdown to start: 19 days until Christmas : ) Please be patient with me returning rates - Uni work and real life is taking over - argh! xx
Member since:01.08.2005
Reviews:129
Members who trust:156
Being a new found fan of John Simm, I was eager to get my grubby mitts on anything starring him; I now credit him as one of the finest actors of the generation, his eye for a good script meaning that he wouldn't appear in any old rubbish just for the sake of a job.
'Human Traffic' director, Justin Kerrigan, did a hugely fantastic job in creating a low budget, British film master piece. He used a lot of solid imagery to get his point across fully, my favourite part being the sexually paranoid Jip (played by Mr. Simm) seemingly wearing a t-shirt advertising his, uh, little problem for the whole world to see. Perhaps it is just with me being a media student (now overly susceptible to effects used in films) but I found these parts a great way of really getting to know the characters and having the ability to sympathise with them through out.
The main plot of the story focuses on Cardiff's 1990's club scene by a group of friends who live for the weekend where clubs, parties, pubs and sex rule their drug and alcoholic fuelled 48 hours away from the grind of being a slave to the wage; Jip in a clothing shop, Nina (Nicola Reynolds) in a fast food restaurant. Her oppression is shown exceedingly well in a scene where she discusses their robotic moods, another part where comedy helps get the point across significantly well.
Each character has their own role in the story, all of them sharing a common bond through their own exploited lives and passion for raves; Jip because of 'Mr. Floppy' and his Mum's chosen career path, his best mate Koop (Shaun Parkes) because of his girlfriend Nina's flirtatious and promiscuous attitude. Lulu (Lorraine Pilkington) can't seem to find the courage to tell Jip how she really feels about him (until towards the end) and Moff (played to a 'T' by Danny Dyer) who feels that communication certainly has let him down in life both in terms of family matters and his own career prospects. With all of the characters having their own perplexing issues, it helps to progress the plot in a logical, well thought out style and also makes them more likeable to you as a viewer.
All of the actors in this play their characters very well. Lead man John Simm did a great job (as usual) in a role most of his fans may not expect to see him in as a party animal with a huge appetite to let go of his inhabitations, one way or another. Danny Dyer's Cockney, cheeky attitude was entertaining but heartbreaking by the end of the film where he faces a few home truths about his current lifestyle.
Whilst the plot was not the strongest thing about this production, the atmosphere created was electric; Kerrigan did a fantastic job of getting across the club scene in perhaps a stereotypical yet very precise way. And, although drug use was one of the main aspects of the film, nothing too offensive was shown which is why I think it's a little strange that this was granted an 18 certificate. However, the language was perhaps a little bad in places so that could be the reason.
The Remixed copy of the film includes over 60 minutes of 'brand new extras'. Comical deleted scenes featuring Jo Brand and some insightful information on how the movie was made is another real selling point for me personally as I'm very interested in the production side of it. The making of Human Traffic is probably the best extra on here.
All in all, I really enjoyed this DVD. The plot wavered a bit in places and the ending is a little bit naff (all in the name of humour I should point out) but don't let that put you off; the characters and their actors make up for this as well as the brilliant production of the film.
With unforgettable catchphrases galore, there is only one thing left to say: The weekend has certainly landed!
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
The weekend has changed forever. Totally re-cut with new scenes, new CGI effects and new ... more
tracks, Human Traffic Remixed is the definitive version of the ultimate movie for the chemical generation.Revolving around a single drug-addled night-out in Cardif...
Five best friends, 48 hours and a bucket-load of ecstasy pills make for an enjoyably ... more
lightweight slice of pop-cultural ephemera from debut director Justin Kerrigan. Cardiffis the city, and hardcore partying, clubbing and pubbing is on the menu as Jip (...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
The real story of youth in the nineties is this : chemicals clubs bars pubs pushing ... more
the vinyl blagging the guest list mobile phones trainers combats care-less monged mashed sorted safe. And here it is in all its pupil-dilated teeth grindi...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Classic film, can be watched many times and enjoyed by all Disadvantages: Few extra features, doesn't vary a lot to the normal edition of the film
Advantages: Classic film, can be watched many times and enjoyed by all Disadvantages: Few extra features, doesn't vary a lot to the normal edition of the film
![Human Traffic [DVD] [1999]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78524336.jpg "Human Traffic [DVD] [1999]")
Jun 30th, 2007
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