A Cock and Bull Story

"Shoe Issue! “ A magically playful narrative piece that is full of surprises at every turn. And I should add that the surprises are highly pleasant and original, although sometimes they are “at all costs". From the very first shots after the opening credits when the scene quoted above like something out of The Draughtsman’s Contract happens, it is obvious that Tristram Shandy and the story of his conception is not going to be too serious. However, the shower of intelligent make-believe fun afterward in places borders on genius. Especially the author of the screenplay, Frank C. Boyle, and the director, Michael Winterbottom, absolutely excel. A prime example of how to adapt an un-filmable book... In its own special way, mind you. (01.08.2007)

An incredibly original and unique adaptation of an “unfilmable” novel that approaches the barebones of its source material through an ostentatious overlapping of several storylines and the portrayal of the creative process itself. In this case is better to avoid finding out anything about the film and go unprepared to be absorbed by the unrelenting fireworks of post-modern narrative gimmicks, which, in all their self-awareness, have never been so entertaining. Steve Coogan plays himself playing two main characters and guides us through a very energetic portrayal of a film within a film, gradually peeling off its individual thematic layers and, from the various possibilities of adapting its own source material, shows the problems they could easily have behind the scenes if Michael Winterbottom actually tried to adapt a complex book the traditional way. It’s a great idea that works flawlessly and never gives the viewer the chance to extricate themselves, but who would like to do that when they can savour one of the most narratively intoxicating and best films of the XXI century? Don’t hesitate and add the name Tristam Shandy in bold to your list of films to watch. 95% (16.01.2021)