Joe Scott (Craig) is a Hollywood megastar who has destroyed his career with arrogance and substance abuse. His only connection with reality is his straight-talking housekeeper (Eve), but he barely notices she's there. Then one day after an upsetting phone call from his mother (Williams), he takes a drunken swim down memory lane, remembering life as a teen (Eden) on the English coast with his best pal (Deacon), the girl he loves (Jones) and the neighbour woman (May) who seduces him. He also finally faces up to why he left home so suddenly.

Writer-director Walsh has a strong visual eye, beautifully recreating both the gleaming Los Angeles coastline and the dusty glow of rural Britain, although it could be argued that everything looks just a bit unused. But he encourages the actors to fully inhabit their roles, which gives the film a depth and resonance that lingers in the mind. As Joe, both Eden and Craig are terrific, using their striking physicality and subtle expressiveness to maximum effect as a boy/man struggling to face up to his actions.

The problem is that the excellent surrounding cast members are saddled with an over-written, obvious script in which they must continually state the obvious in mini-sermons: "You're the most self-indulgent fool I've ever met!" "You have squandered every opportunity you've ever had!" "The only thing you need courage for is standing still!" It's pretty exhausting, really, especially since all of these sentiments are conveyed much more strongly through the performances and situations, and yet Walsh clearly doesn't trust his audience to get it.

This is a pity, because the story is fascinating, and it's cleverly cast and photographed. It feels as if Walsh is cramming everything he possibly can into this film, from serious messages to musical influences (including some gorgeous, but ultimately irrelevant, David Bowie and Brian Ferry numbers). And while piling on the Important Life Lessons, he skips over some important plot points. This is still a provocative and thoughtful film, but it's also rather unconvincing.

themes, language, sexuality, violence, drugs

8.Apr.08