Flick of The Day: In The Loop

Political satire is a tricky thing to pull off but when done well can be devastatingly biting. The BBC series The Thick of It has for a number of years been the best comedy on British television. Its creator Armando Iannucci has managed to largely transfer the raw energy of that show to the big screen with this adaptation and today's flick of the day, In the Loop.

In the Loop

Transplanting much of the cast of the television series albeit in different roles, the film follows in much the same vein. It is the background to the broader political machinations, there are no Presidents and Prime Ministers just staffers and advisers and small time cabinet ministers played by the likes of Tom Hollander and Chris Addison, all under the viciously acerbic gaze of Director of Communications Malcom Tucker, played by the incomparable Peter Capaldi. Tucker is loud profane and always great viewing. The cast is rounded out by the always good James Gandolfini as a US General.The story revolves around a prospective American military invasion in the middle east and the path to war. 

There is some great knowing humour in the various background rivalries between government departments as they move ever closer to war. From Hollander's witless Minister to Addison's incompetent and breathlessly ignorant adviser, there is an air of truth to these characters. Government is portrayed as being as incompetent and small minded as we have always secretly imagined.

Sir Jonathan Tutt: Let me tell you the process here, Malcolm, and why that's not possible...
Malcolm Tucker: Just fucking do it! Otherwise you'll find yourself in some medieval war zone in the Caucasus with your arse in the air, trying to persuade a group of men in balaclavas that sustained sexual violence is not the fucking way forward!

Of course all the best lines are Capaldi's much as it is in the series. If there is one major flaw, it is that it just isn't in the same class as the tightly written show upon which it is based. The film feels stretched too thin over its running time. There is only so many Capaldi one liners that can carry it through.

That said when its good, it is very good and is still a witty class above all of its peers. It loses itself in the second half of the film but overall is well worth a look.

Lt. Gen. George Miller: I'm a voracious reader. I'm the Gore Vidal of the Pentagon. 

Karen Clarke: Gore's gay. 

Lt. Gen. George Miller: No, he's not! 

Karen Clarke: I beg to differ, but... 

Lt. Gen. George Miller: He's gay? 'Cause I've been saying that Gore Vidal line.

Karen Clarke: He is gay. 

Lt. Gen. George Miller: [pause] Guess I'd better stop saying that then.

All in all, an enjoyable film and anything that spreads the genius of Iannucci around the world is a worthwhile expedition. There is also a small but very funny cameo from Iannucci regular Steve Coogan. Capaldi and Gandolfini are the real stars of the film and their final stand-off is a sight.