Nil by Mouth - Gary Oldman (1997)

I am not sure many people are aware that Gary Oldman has directed a film. A good one too.

Actors directing isn't always a good idea, especially because they often try to act in their own films. (I can't help thinking of Clint Eastwood). But in this case, it works very well, mainly because the story is very personal to Oldman: he wrote the film inspired in his own life and experiences living in South London. It is truly one of those films born from the exorcism of someone's demons - might explain why he didn't direct anything else again. There's also a compasionate, loving, way of seeing the story, Oldman isn't judgemental about violence, drug addiction, alcoholism... that's how the lives of these people are, it just happens like that even if they don't want to do it.

The story in Nil by Mouth is built through the characters, a very clever way to face a film if you're an actor directing for the first time. It seems most dialogues and situations were discovered during rehearsals, also the strong bond between characters and how familiar they are with each other can only be built this way. Even though the narrative doesn't develop like the usual storyline, there are key moments and there is what most people would call a conflict.

Of course the performances are the main strength of this film. They are all excellent and well chosen for their roles. But the cinematrography is very interesting too. It was made in 1997 so it has that Dogma influence, in this case it goes very well with the story, the restless camera, the raw use of light... it's not as stylish as bigger films but I think it's very well done. Mike Leigh meets Dogma 95.

Nil by Mouth