About This Item

Preview Image for Hoffman (UK)
Hoffman (UK) (DVD Details)

Unique ID Code: 0000035831
Added by: Mark Oates
Added on: 29/6/2002 07:37
View Changes

Other Reviews, etc
  • Log in to Add Reviews, Videos, Etc
  • Places to Buy

    Searching for products...

    Review of Hoffman

    2 / 10

    Introduction


    One of Sellers` lesser known movies, this is Disc One of Momentum Pictures` "Peter Sellers Collection" (licenced from Canal Plus via Kinowelt). Rated 15, the movie is one of Sellers` more serious works although described as a sex comedy. Sellers plays the title character, a seedy, sad little man who blackmails typist Sinead Cusack into spending the week with him. A relationship develops, but an uncomfortably sleazy air spoils what could be an elegant subversion of expectations. The end result is depressingly reminiscent of the old-fashioned variety of tv play-for-today the story was written as.



    Video


    Presented in its original 1.85:1 anamorphic, the film is typical of 1970`s British film production. Seedy-looking locations, grainy film stock and a fair old bit of print damage make for a depressing look.



    Audio


    The soundtrack is of the typical shrill 1970`s mono variety, although of note is a title track by Ron Grainer (of Dr Who and Steptoe & Son fame.)



    Features


    This is an extras-free zone, offering only a static chapter menu in addition to "play".



    Conclusion


    Not one of Sellers` shining moments. Arguably Sellers was a comic genius - possibly certifiable - but a genius nonetheless. He was capable of stunning performances and vaudevillean slapstick. Compared with comparable films such as "I Love You Alice B Toklas" and "erehT[at]s A Girl In My Soup", "Hoffman" is a disappointment.

    Your Opinions and Comments

    Be the first to post a comment!