The Good Night

There are odd leanings early on in this comedy drama, featuring Gary (Martin Freeman), a joyless, life-weary type who now works for his ex-bandmate Paul (Simon Pegg), generating advertising jingles instead of the gold discs he stares at morosely from time to time.

Jarvis Cocker confirms their past musical credentials by kicking off the film in a documentary-style interview, and also neatly outlines who is a good sort (Gary) and who is an arrogant, conceited ego-tripper (Paul). With knowledge of who we are supposed to be backing, we can now sit back and watch as Gary’s bleak day job deadens his eyes and unravels his relationship with girlfriend Dora (Gwyneth Paltrow).

The slant to the weird comes from his increasingly frequent dreams, which show him a vivid woman (Penelope Cruz) and a life he longs for. Set up against cold fish Dora and the ennui of his dying career, alongside the buddy who gleefully continues to demonstrate all that is reprehensible in society, the contrasting vibrancy of his dreams drives Gary to bed more and more often.

Critics will nag that more could have been done with the cast at hand: Paltrow is whiney, and Pegg feels underused. However, a fantastic rolling-all-over-the-floor turn from Danny DeVito as lucid dream tutor Mel is a perfect fit and, though the biggest name, interestingly he doesn't eclipse all else. Cruz also has some great lines, delivered precisely and with clout.

The biggest flaw is Gary’s absence as he slips into obsession – he loses the decency that won him the audience support. The line ‘I don’t think you do need cheering up, you need tampons’ is delivered with the kind of stupidity we would expect from Paul, who actually wins more sympathy for being an out-and-out bastard - at least he’s honest.

This is America with a drowsy British feel, a Britpop soundtrack and littered with the kind of names that tempt disappointment in a first feature. Jake Paltrow, as writer and director, may have had a leg up from his sister, but it’s just a bigger beating stick should your debut feature not be perfect. Garnering some slightly unfair criticism, this film still has some strong moments and floats some interesting ideas. With no expectations, I liked it.

Released on 26th May 2008 by Momentum Pictures.

Written by Amy Swales.