In The Loop

In The Loop (2009)
Directed by Armando Iannucci
Starring Peter Capaldi, james Gandolfini, Mimi Kennedy, Tom Hollander

British political satire based on a successful BBC TV Show 'Thick of it'. The film is a satire of the Anglo-American governmental wranglings leading up to the invasion of Iraq. A UK minister played brilliantly by Hollander is used as a pawn by both sides when remarks he makes to the press are used as key phrases to start the war.

The film is bitingly funny. Capaldi steals the show as the Prime Ministers enforcer, a hard-core foul mouthed Scotsman who fears no man and takes no prisoners. Gandolfini is also hilarious as a US General. The film reminded me in parts of Kubrick's Dr Strangelove (Peter Sellers), In the Loop is a whole new take but it felt similar in tone. The film is very well written and the performances were dead-pan and spot on.

The approach is anti-West Wing in this film, its raw, doco, hand-held, gritty and real. The performances never become silly which is what keeps the satire in tact. It's a very funny film that has done well in Europe. Not sure how it will go down in US. Shows like The Office are a good appetizer for a film like this. If you like Gervais you will enjoy In the Loop.

The film is worth seeing just for Capaldi's performance alone. Must rent DVD.