rabid nonsense...

... hideous, ugly, repellent, wrong, stomach-churning, vomit-inducing, gruesome, abysmal, twisted, lurid,  nasty-brutish-and-depressing, nasty-and-nonsensical, nasty-vindictive-and-violent, nasty-brutish-and-short, unhinged, dangerous, foul and violent, brutal, raw and uncomfortable, deeply unnecessary, disturbing, unsavoury, objectionable, grubby, shocking, uncommonly brutal, exploitative and depressing, torrid, stupifying (sic), grisly, violent and unsettling...

I think we hit a nerve.

Those were all quotes by the way, a selection from the gusher of apoplectic reviews for Straightheads here in the UK.

Actually there have been more considered ones too, notably James Christopher's in the Times here in the UK, Derek Malcolm in the Evening Standard, Variety magazine, the Daily Mirror, Sight and Sound and a good handful of others which gainsay the splutterings of the frazzled majority.

The Independent went as far as accusing me of having a borderline personality disorder, and the usually articulate Guardian, after a short, coruscating paragraph, ended its review with a strangled cry of "Wrong!". I have to admit I actually burst out laughing when I read these, so the guy from the Independent might have a point after all!                                                               

Well, today's the day. To the those of you who've been following this blog from the beginning, it's been exactly a year since my first post.

Thank you all so much for your support, and for your kind and warm comments. You've made the long months of waiting for the release a lot more interesting for me, and I truly appreciate the time you've taken to be part of this blog with me.

Now, if you're in the UK and you've nothing better to do this weekend, why not go and catch Straightheads and let me know what YOU think?

Comments

[Erinn from Seattle, WA, USA]

Screw them all. To get that kind of reaction you must have made a hard hitting film, and that's exactly what we need in this anesthetized society, rock on.

[Vicky]

I'm going to see it at 5.30 today and I'm so unbelievably excited. I can't wait!
The reviews may end up doing you a favour, people will be curious, the first film of this type to really, as you say, hit a nerve.
I can't wait to hear the wider, more general concensus!

[Leslie - NL, Canada]

Good luck on opening weekend Dan!!

I'm with Vicky, I can't wait to hear what the general population thinks of your film.

~Les

[Honor - Lockerbie Scotland]

Tell them to get stuffed... I think its going to be an excellent film... seeing it in less than 4 hours... YAY.... been waiting for it for a long time... :) Thanks

[Annelies]

Now, I haven’t seen the film yet, so I cant’t really judge. But what is certain, is that Straightheads isn’ t a film for everyone, not a cosy family movie, not even a typical “voilent” picture. And that says a lot about what the reviews are going to be like.
Most critics have problems digesting non-conventional films, it explains their vocabulary: stomach-churning, vomit-inducing, ...
I do find it a little sad that critics, anno 2007, still seem to be so narrow-minded. For what is worse, their professionalism and competence often leaves a lot to be desired. They should realize that they have a large responsability, and think twice about their verdicts.
However, not everyone trusts on reviews (ahum like me), as Vicky says, they may end up doing you a favour, just because of their explicit opinions, lots will be burning with curiosity...

I might consider spending a weekend in the UK and see for myself, after all, it’s just crossing the Channel, but I’ve never been there... Shame on me!

Grtzz from tropical Belgium!
Have a nice weekend, don’t be to nervous, not good for your stomach ;-)

Annelies

(English is not my native tongue and I may write stupid mistakes, but I do my outmost, I just want to show my respect for someone who wants to do sth different, also congrats for Danny and Gillian, true actors not only choose for typical roles!)

[Tina]

Well if it's any consolation, Variety gave it a pretty good review, and *gasp*, a thoughtful one too. It's pretty interesting especially consider the fact they never seems to like anything really. Maybe the US, at least part of it, will accept SH for it is meant to be.

Good luck on everything SH in the UK. :)

[sara]

Dan are you more concered with what reviews think or what regular people think? I think it easier for a reviewer to write "rabib nonsense" rather than write the truth.

I have to say that I've been reading your blog for many months now and I've waited for longer than a year for this movie. Of course, my waiting won't be over until I actually see the darn thing! But to all the UK-er's seeing it in the upcoming days, I'm living my life vicariously through you all! I cannot wait to hear what the REAL people think about the film!

Have a wonderful weekend!
*SARA ALICE*

[Patricia_]

I can't believe today's the day. I don't feel the waiting has been so long. I'm happy because the film is finally released, but... now what? It may seem stupid, but reading this blog was (and it still is, until now) nice. I've never waited so long for a film, for knowing new things about it. So, I feel kind of nostalgic. :lol:

Anyway, I'm very very very happy for you. It's a pity not beeing British and not being there. Why couldn't you release the film in September? I'll be there, near London, from September to December! But, well... I have to wait for the film to be released in Spain or something.

Congratulations for your work (although I haven't seen the film)because I'm sure it's gonna be awesome! :D

Patricia.

[The Dalai Lana]

I would love to see the movie but sadly it isn't playing anywhere in the area. I was surprised it wasn't even playing in Cambridge. I guess I'll just have to wait for the dvd, very disappointing. I've heard great things about the movie, from those who've seen it. Critics are just jealous failures who couldn't make it in the business so pay them no attention. They can't handle something real and undiluted. God forbid a movie actually makes you think! Eeek!! The success of any movie relys on what the fans think not what over paid,unsuccessful windbags have to say about it, so it will be a massive hit with those who matter most!

[Kristy]

That's completely ridiculous! Don't let all that bother you Dan. Like someone else mentioned, all this negative press might actually end up helping your box office draw in the end. People will read the good and bad reviews and be curious as to what's being referred to. This might be the best day ever for you, so just hold on. I just don't get it though, I thought the majority of Europe is very open minded to things of this nature...at least much more so that Americans. Oh well.

Just wanted to say that I wish you the best of luck Dan! Don't let anyone get you down. You are making an impact on the film industry, and on the way people think about the situation that you have presented in your film. I think you're very brave to do something like this and stand up for it and believe in it. Just know that all of us are 100% behind you as well. Don't ever doubt yourself!

I can't wait till this film comes to the U.S. I will be the first in line to see it!

Kristy

[pete]

stuff them ,what do critics know anyway , they are sat on there highbrow chairs looking down on us ordinary folk believing what they say should be the way of everyone, we should all make our own minds up, i'm off to see it on sunday .
thanks everyone involved in the making of this film.

[caitlin]

It's like I said, you've put a lot of hard work, dedication, and passion into this. no matter what they say, this is yours. so....

GO STRAIGTHEADS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ericka]

thinking about you on opening weekend and wishing i could spend some of my money on the film! (hurry up, Sony!!) Have to say, I loved the interview you did over at Real. Very interesting. I'm also glad that you aren't letting the bull get to you. There are many of us who 'get' this film. :)

[Toni]

Im back from watching Straightheads!!

I had a day off work today.........so i went to the cinema at 3:30 at cineworld!!......on my own!

It was a great movie Dan!

I was a little worried at the beginning as i didn't quite know where it was going, and how everything linked up (bit jumpy).....but middle to end was great!!! Really enjoyed it!

I left the cinema full of....ummmmm.....angst i guess. I really wanted to slam the peddle on my car down and race along the roads (i didn't of course) I also kind of wanted to scream, or let out this build up of energy that was stored.

Really Dan, it was a good film and i enjoyed it........Praise also goes to GA and DD for there excellent way of showing the audience the pain...emotionally and physically.........superb. Ill have to go watch it again!

[Alan]

Hey Dan,

I've just got back home after seeing the 2pm start of Straightheads in Rhyl's Apollo 5 cinema and...jeez...I'm still trying to process the fact that I've *finally* seen it. I don't think I can fully express myself at the moment as it's feels only a short while ago since I was at the cinema. Between leaving the cinema and coming home to write this, I've felt like I've been floating on a cloud due to the utter brilliance that Straightheads is. I will say this though...it was well worth the wait and I'm definitely thinking of going back for a second viewing.

I can tell you that as I was watching it I noticed that my heart was pounding and my arms and legs were shaking and...well...there may even have been another physical response but I don't think I'll explain much more than that.

Suffice it to say that I loved Straightheads! I thought it was amazing and really intense! It was everything I was expecting it to be and then some! The writing and the directing, the acting...I couldn't find fault with *any* of it! I've got nothing negative to say at all!

I'd like you to know, Dan and please pass this on to Gillian, Danny, and all the men and women involved in making Straightheads - I didn't leave my seat until the end credits finished rolling because I felt I owed it all of you to have your names seen. Call it a small thank you and a token of my appreciation for all the hard work you put into this movie.

So...what now? Can we expect some more pictures and videos here at the Blog, Dan? Is there more to see? I sincerely hope so. I'm not ready to say goodbye to this Blog any time soon.

I look forward to your next update, Dan (I assume there will be one) and I hope everyone else's viewing experiences will be as positive as mine.

Thank you,

- Alan.

[Anasyx]

Don't worry about the press reviews. I'm sure that is a good film. Hard, but good ;)

And good luck from Spain to the film release!!

[delly]

yeh... just got in from watching straightheads...the 7pm showing, it was really good, cant believe ive actually watched it...the acting was brill gillian anderson is amazing and danny is so fit... but i didnt get the end of the film.. who was the girl to Alice and why did she just get in Alices car..did alice already no her?? I went to the cinema with my boyfriend and he asks me every 2 mins whats going on, why are they doing that, so i think i may have missed something?? but definately be watching it again... it was well worth the wait... well thanks for the film dan
luv adele
xxxxxxxxx

[Vicky]

Ok, so I've just got back from Straightheads and dinner. I thought the film was excellent, as were GA and DD. A few things didn't really fit for me, but my friends thought the opposite which I guess is the bonus of a film such as this, there's so much to discuss!
There's no denying the violence, which is strong, but of course the story rests on these moments and I too felt shaky and actually quite sick in a few of the scenes which were incredibly well acted.
Now I'm home, I feel quite shaken. I think it's because the violence was so realistic. It's not bad guys and good guys beating each other's brains out to save the world... I don't know how to explain it. All I know is I have definitely been affected and I am arguing with myself about the moral position that the characters took. What would I do in their situations? Food for thought.
I will be going to see the film again with a different group of friends, but I'm going to postpone it a couple of days until I've had time to process it!

[Mercedes Williams]

I went to see the film today in Bristol, at the Showcase Cinema. It was the 3.30 showing so there was only a few of us there. I went to see the film based on the preview, I have not read any reviews as I don't want them to influence me in any way.

I was really looking forward to this film and was not disappointed. It was shocking, thought provoking. well acted and chilling. I also had physical reactions, with the old heart ticking away like mad. I would recommend it to my friends, but again, as already said, the film is not for everyone.

It is not very often I come away from a film and want to jump right back in and see it again, which is what I wanted to do in this case. I loved the dynamic between the two leads, their pain and agony almost palpable. I have the image of Gillians' character, the morning after the attack, seared onto my brain..., the look on her face when she picks up the pendant..the shock, the horror, my stomach lurched, it was so powerful.

Well done to all involved!!!

[Lilbexi]

Wow - Went to see Straightheads tonights after about 2 years of counting to this day! Was SO nervous about watching thing film - I hate violent films, I especially hate sexually violent films - but alas, I am a GA obsessive so HAD to go! I'm glad I did. I have to be honest, I was very almost put off by the recent reviews & critics and was frankly expecting much more "sickness" than there actually is! (For which I am greatful!) Yes, some scenes are awful, dreadful, even 'oh my god I have to look away!!!' but seriously - a fantastic film!

My friend and I left the cinema literally speachless then laughed for about an hour about just how speechless we had both just been!!

GA was fantastic (as always!) - she was believable, which I think is so important to a film like this. The anger inside her was layered but plain to see - how does she DO that???!!!

Thank you for such a fantasic film! I'll be going to watch it again before the weekend's out!

lilbexi :)

[k8e_2005]

Ah to hell with them! At the end of the day you have made a really good film that is unique and full of UMPH. You did a great job and I can't believe it has been a year since you first posted *shock horror* I hope that the somewhat bad publicity will turn into some good publicity you know? People out there tend to get drawn into films that the critics dislike and such and this could be an upside to you.

All the best for this weekend...

[tdevol]

I am unfortunately in the U.S. and not in the UK but obviously your film hit a nerve. Can't wait to see it "across the pond". I have followed this blog from the beginning and have been a fan of Gillian's from the X-Files on through to her current projects. Speaking as someone who is tired of the status quo as far as film is concerned and speaking as the wife of a media arts student here in the states, I can't wait to be "refreshed" with your film.

People fear darkness because they feel they can't control it. What they tend to forget is that life is a balance. Without light there is no darkness and without darkness, there is no light.

[Hatter]

I think you're right. You have hit a nerve. People can get rather offended and almost defensive when you try and take them out of their comfort zone. They like everything to be stylized instead of realistic. I think I can assume that stylistic interpretation is not the purpose of this film.

[Melissa]

What I've read and seen on this movie got me hooked instintly. I've been keep track of the movie since day one and want to see it badly, but unfortuantely I don't live in the UK. I'm hoping that there's a chance that Straightheads comes to Canada.

[Peet]

I have finally seen Straightheads...

I have seen it twice today.

For the first time to take in all the scenes and situations of this movie and what is most important the context of the story.

The second time to "dig deeper into the context of the story!

I have three attributes for this film...

Shockingly, disturbingly brilliant!!!

Dan you have managed to present a film which is very realistic and disturbing. The movie gives one an atomosphere of total tension and shock. It is a real goosebump experience. It makes one willing to look every scene and it keeps one guessing until the end. One can't but observe every single moment and every single scene with such an enornimous tension it literally takes one's breath away. This is also due to the fact that both Gillian Anderson and Danny Dyer did a "perfect job!" This movie is to be considered as a rollercoaster ride. It starts with the present carefree every day life which catapults our characters into a tangled web of hatred, emotions and agony. This movie shows in a relatively realistic and disturbing way how one's world can be turned upside down in just a nano second by just one incident which can change one's attidute towards violence in a dash. What impressed me the most is the psychological aspect which is shown in such an intense and clever way that it makes one feel like one is actually the person going through such a dilemma. The present weakness and agony by being raped changes into anger and blind rage which makes one regain energy to "fight back", to take revenge. To pay back, to satisfy one's desire to see the rapist lying on the ground like a wounded deer like one did. The viewer totally feels for the characters and is shocked by their actions. It makes one think about what might happen but it also makes one want to deny it which is an anbivalent process. There are scenes which are very surprising since once would never expect or even speculate that that might happen. ---- Dan I bow my head to thee. A brilliant debut!!!