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'A Cock And Bull Story [2006]' starring Steve Coogan and directed by Michael Winterbottom. (StaEAN 5060052410764)

Michael Winterbottom is no stranger to literary adaptation. Both Jude and The Claim were drawn from works by Thomas Hardy. Nor is the versatile filmmaker a stranger to the post-modern romp, like 24 Hour Party People. In that peon to Manchester's music scene, Steve Coogan was Factory honcho Tony Wilson. In Winterbottom's take on Laurence Sterne's digressive The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, the prolific helmer combines literature with lunacy and brings Coogan back as the titular character--and then some. Coogan doesn't just portray the 18th century squire, but his father Walter and insecure actor "Steve Coogan." It's a film about the making of a film, effortlessly shifting between Tristram's tumultuous birth and his frustrated adulthood--bogged down in the writing of his life story--and between fiction and (what appears to be) fact. There are no end to the worries on and off the set: Coogan worries his heels aren't high enough, Rob Brydon worries his teeth are too yellow, and Coogan's girlfriend (Kelly Macdonald) worries she isn't seeing enough of him. It may sound like Spike Jonze's Adaptation, but in spirit, it more closely resembles Tony Richardson's Tom Jones. Coogan and his co-stars, particularly Naomie Harris as the ultimate film nut, Gillian Anderson as the American brought in to boost the project's profile, and Brydon as Tristram's Uncle Toby are as game for the challenge as their fearless leader. Consequently, Tristram Shandy isn't just one of Winterbottom's best films--it's one of the year's best. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Although I'm not one to compare actors in different films I always seem to compare Steve Coogan to his brilliant Alan Partridge ego and I was awfully disappointed with his contribution to this film. I am a huge fan of his normally, including the cleverly crafted '24 hour party people'. This film really lacked any humour and I found the storyline muddled. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of classical literature and Tristram Shandy is on my to read list, but this movie just appeared to miss the vital transition from one century to the other.

Should we invest in a film?... "Yes"
Should we get a hot-star?... "Yes"
Is Steve Coogan available?... "Yes"
Is he interested?... "Yes (if his buddy-buddy can come too)"
Have we got a good script?... "No, all the budget's gone on Steve Coogan"
Well what are we going to film?... "A pair of nonces mincing about for their own amusement"
Will that be funny?... "Who cares, it's a comedy, with Steve Coogan (& his buddy), and punters will pay to watch it"
So will anyone enjoy it?... "Yes, Steve Coogan (& his buddy), and our bank manager, and maybe a few die-hard fans who hate to admit Steve Coogan's lost his way"

I'm sure Steve Coogan's buddy convinced him he was being hilarious throughout the film (as he was hanging on to his shirt-tail) but someone should have been a good enough friend to Mr Coogan, & told him this project does not have a single laugh in it, & it will devalue all his wonderful earlier work.
(The moral = Choose your buddies well !!!)

A selection of familiar faces from British TV comedy led by Steve Cougan play fictional versions of themselves, making a movie from a famous novel with tedious results. Features a lot of rushing around talking garbage and screaming from a lady pretending to be pregnant. Worst film I've seen in a long time.

I suppose that as I was not a big fan of Mr Coogan, this was not the best DVD to get but it had good reviews so I thought I'd give it a go. However, neither I nor my husband were very impressed and switched it off after 15 minutes.
But if you are a fan and can put up with the jumping back and forward in time aspect of the film, give it a go.

I saw this recently, expecting something really outstanding, and, well, sort of enjoyed it, but in hindsight I have no idea why. The more I think about it he more I feel negetivity towards it washing over me. This is not the first time that Coogan has chosen to play himself as a bit of an egotistical nutter, and while he does it so well (I'm saying nothing!), it's a trick I have seen before. Rob Brydon gives a good performance, and the supporting actors and actresses read like a contempory who's who, but it feels smug and clever, and feels like it wants to divide it's audience into those who get it and those who don't, then feel pleased with itself about it.

I have not read Trstram Shandy, and feel I would enjoy it more if I had. If this is true then it is already setting itself to be elitist, before the first frame has been shown. Dylan Moran seems to be playing Bernard Black in a 18th century wig, Stephen Fry is playing Stephen Fry in and 18th Century wig (is a picture coming apparent to you?) and I generally thought it to be, well more amusing. It was entertaining in an odd way, but I cannot see myself EVER wanting to see it again. I nearly saw it at the cinema; I'm glad now I didin't.