Filth

Always a pleasure to get an infusion of first-rate nihilism, plus combined with the formal adoration of the protagonist (slow-mo shots, hero voice over). Of course, there's a moment with every such film when it's discovered that it's all really a response to trauma, inner tension, sad childhood blah blah blah, and with that the whole Bukowski circus goes to shit. In Filth, thankfully, that happens relatively late. (03/11/2014)

An unbalanced retelling of another one of Welsh’s books suffers from an average director who loses the ground under his feet mainly in the second part of the movie, but at the same time was incredibly lucky in casting McAvoy in the role of Robb. A marvelous concert of acting that covers up almost all flaws. On top of that, the first half is just packed with great lines... This way to the staff recruitment center, dear Santa. (02/21/2014)

If Irvine Welsh had written the book of the same name before 1992, I might have applauded him, but while watching the film Filth, I just felt like it was merely a variation of the 1992 film Bad Lieutenant, where a similarly corrupt cop was brilliantly played by Harvey Keitel. It didn't turn out any better in the remake Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans with Nicolas Cage from 2009. Filth is essentially just a British variation on the same theme, which unfortunately is sometimes too similar, although James McAvoy is very believable in it. I must, however, commend the absolutely fantastic selection of songs for the soundtrack. The film has an interesting progression in terms of what the main character perceives, but I think it could have gone even further. In that regard, it's not exceptionally unique and it only builds up well. (04/12/2014)

Absolute perfection and the pinnacle of the comedy genre! The film is definitely not suitable for everyone! It features a lot of violence, bad language, hardcore pornography & masturbation, drugs and mental illness. All in all, it's a film that will make you laugh, chuckle and in the worst case, perhaps vomit. I've managed to enjoy this shocking ride twice now, as the film is quite a challenge to comprehend, but even the second time around it's still intense, psycho fun. 90% (01/30/2014)

An oddly hybrid film. The first half is a comedy, the second half a clear drama. It does work well as a whole and at least it makes you realize what an interesting country Scotland is. James McAvoy played a schizophrenic very well. I became a fan of his character right after the balloon scene. You hardly ever get to see such a scumbag. Eddie Marsan also gave a great performance. The soundtrack was excellent and aptly chosen, so it's very hard for me to find anything to criticize. I had fun. (08/21/2016)