MOVIE: IN THE LOOP
Radiating cynicism and dripping with dry British wit, In the Loop could well be the comedy of 2010. That is, if the film’s subtle humour, mockumentary style and low-key atmosphere aren’t overlooked in favour of big belly laughs. A spin-off of BBC series The Thick of it, Armando Iannucci’s directorial debut shifts seamlessly between war-mongering Washington and Westminster, as bureaucrats quibble over an impending Middle East invasion. Political satire at its most biting, In the Loop packs political intrigue into a fast-paced plot, demanding full concentration from the audience. But boy, is it worth it. Peter Capaldi is scene-stealing as spin doctor Malcolm Tucker, capitalising on the sharply-written material and unleashing furious monologues peppered with profanity and obscure pop culture references. Special mention must go to Steve Coogan’s cameo as a disgruntled local citizen, while James Gandolfini elicits his fair share of chortles as a war-weary general punching out the costs of a hypothetical war on a bright pink calculator. A clever, complex satire makes for a good old fashioned roasting of all things bureaucratic. (LRu)
