How to Get Ahead in Advertising

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isla s This is a somewhat bonkers British film. I assumed, from what I read of the plot before I saw it, that it would be about a mans mid life crisis but having seen it, it seems to depict more of an acute mental breakdown, brought on by his belief that a boil on his beck has somehow taken human form and is criticising him. Yes, its quite surreal - it is sort of funny in an oddball kind of a way, of course but the comedy is (of course) quite dark in tone. I suppose nowadays it wouldn't seem quite so comedic to make such a film, if its seen as making light on delusional mental/psychiatric conditions and the like. I quite like Richard E Grant as an actor and indeed he plays the main character, Dennis Bagley, well, depicting manic episodes with hyperactive behaviour et al. Its quirky and won't be to everyones taste - it even features a small amount of animation on screen at one point, further highlighting the worrying lack of clarity Dennis seems to have in terms of whats real and what isn't. Its either lightly amusing and very quirky, or somewhat disconcerting I suppose. Of course this film dates from the 1980s - certain issues weren't treated the way they are nowadays. I have my own personal issues but I still quite enjoyed this film regardless, as I liked the surreal and quirky aspects of it and I also thought it was amusing that Richard Wilson (of One Foot In The Grave fame) appears as Dennis' boss. This wont appeal to all and is somewhat dated but its certainly not a boring or awful watch, so I'd recommended it on that basis. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Shame, started off good and I was interested and enjoying it, after the first half through, I got bored. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member A real waste of everyone's time. This film should never have been made. I like Bruce Robinson, as a director and human being but this film is atrocious. Also Richard e grant doesn't pull this one off Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Audience Member Grant is a one man army in How to Get Ahead in Advertising as he delivers a powerhouse performance here. A bit heavy in dialogue in the early going, but is an audacious and brilliant ride once the initial premise is set up. To accompany Richard E. Grants fantastic outing is an equally crafted screenplay, practical effects, and messaging still relevant today. A satirical cult classic that has aged quite well. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Strange and funny satire Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member Clever, smart,unusual and well done. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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