Review of Born Romantic

Introduction

The British Film Industry, such as it is, is kept "alive" by organisations such as the BBC and Channel Four backing small-budgeted, observational comedies and dramas. "Born Romantic" is just such a film, but watching it, I cannot help feeling as if I`m watching a tv drama rather than a movie.

"Born Romantic" is a witty, well-observed comedy of burgeoning romance, following the exploits of Eddie (Jimi Mistry), Fergus (David Morrissey) and Frankie (Craig Ferguson) and the women they pursue - respectively Jocelyn (Catherine McCormack), Mo (Jane Horrocks) and Eleanor (Olivia Williams). They all go to the same salsa club and go to the same taxi rank to get home. That`s where Jimmy (Adrian Lester), the cupid cab driver comes in with words of wisdom and salsa lessons.

Written and directed by David Kane, the end result is an amiable romantic comedy for the 21st Century. Not everything goes the way you would expect, but the end result is an amusing 92 minutes. Watch out in particular for Jocelyn`s nightmare date with Eddie and the tremendous supporting performance from the ever dependable Kenneth Cranham as Barney.

Video

Shot in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the image quality is excellent as one would expect from a 2001 movie in spite of much of the action taking place in badly lit areas and/or available light (which always makes things grainy).
In spite of the 1.85:1 matte, the image still has the feel of a BBC programme in widescreen rather than something that "should" be watched on a big theatre screen. This is more indicative of BBC Films` budgetary caution towards investing in the British Film Industry than any shortcoming in the film itself.

Audio

Born Romantic boasts a backing of Salsa, Latin and Easy Listening tunes. The sound mix is a full Dolby Digital 5.1, but little use is made of the dynamic capabilities.

Features

There is an Original Theatrical Trailer and eight Deleted Scenes. There are also interviews with the Stars and Director which have been shot in such a way that it is difficult to tell whether somebody was trying to be clever, or whether they were simply cack-handed. They appear to be the typical Film 2001-style puff-piece but with the heads and tails (checking microphones, getting comfortable, etc.) left in place. All in all there seems to be an element of desperation about the inclusion of the extras.

Conclusion

Not a bad little movie. At one time the BBC would have put it out as a "Play for Today" just before Panorama, but times have changed. It will probably do better on disk and tape than it did at the cinema. It`s definitely a couples` movie and if you`re an old softy at heart it`ll leave you with a smile on your face.