This must be one of the worst movies I have ever seen. I actually resented the time I lost forever watching and waiting for something to happen that would instill meaning to this film. It never happened.
Just a long, drawn-out film about selfish and mean-spirited people you can't care about - even when they are murdered. Blaaah!
September 29, 2007 |  | Sick movie, BUT VERY FUNNY =) |  |
The first time I watched this movie I had to laugh - a friend of mine thought it was disgusting (the "interesting" sex-scenes), I think Alan Bates and Sting are exellent in their roles - I actually have this on DVD (I bought this on a gas-station here in Norway of all places, it is named "The Grotesque" - no special features on the DVD-release). The movie is a little sick, yes, but then it definitetly lives up to its` title - every time I watch it a grin appeares on my face =)
April 1, 2004 |  | Grave Indiscretion a/k/a The Grotesque |  |
This is a cunning black comedy starring Alan Bates as the mainstays of a typically disfunctional, upper-class english/American family, Teresa Russell (the original Black Widow) and Sting (who really shines silver in the role of the butler). Family and community interactions disintegrating in the guise of a murder mystery.
Yes, everyone assumes that the butler did it - you will have a delicious time finding out how and whether!! The script is outrageous and fast moving, the acting (both leads and supporting roles) skilled. The scripting and cuts are subtle, and the humor (though hardly understated by British standards) is just subdued and suggestive enough to maintain a sharp edge to the plot whlie blurring the line between the absurd and the seriously weird! Like a great off-Broadway play written by Rube Goldberg. A movie for anglophiles and those who love to hate them alike!! A middle class version of The Ruling Class (Peter O'Toole)? Watch it, and you still won't understand why our British cousins drive on the left side of the road - but what an amusing ride! November 12, 2001
|  | By the Grotesque to the unimaginable, Patrick McGrath undone |  |
The adaptation of Patrick McGrath's The Grotesque done with a flair and deadpan stolid face that only Sting could provide. Playing the deviously underhanded butler Fledge, Sting provides a masterful performance that helps to orchestrate the full capacity of evil in the human condition. His wife in real life plays his drunken spouse in the movie. Not as inspiring, but truly provides the motive to Fledges actions throughout. The pace is slow and adds to the devious tone of the entire film. Call this what you want, but don't call it cutsie. As in all movies the true cinicism of life is better on paper than film, but here true evil is unleashed revelling in man's true nature as the beast.
May 16, 2000 |  | Dark, looming and NOT funny. This is a comedy? |  |
I rented this film only due to Sting's presence. I therefore enjoyed his scenes, but had difficulties staying with the story. Maybe it's a cultural thing & I'm too much the "Yank"... Anyway, Sting is a beautiful man. Great opportunity to see "Most" of him.
November 1, 1999More reviews at Amazon.com ...