Rag Tale is an unusually clever film
Rag Tale
Director: Mary McGuckian
Cast: Rupert Graves, Simon Callow, Malcolm McDowell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ian Hart
Interestingly, this film has been panned by the British press critics; perhaps it’s because it’s too close to home: it’s a swipe at the sensational tabloid industry and the venal hacks who inhabit that unsavoury world.
Writer-director McGuckian never intended her film to be taken at face value even though a good many of her barbs are well placed. The problem remains as always: for some curious reason the movies never quite manage to capture the authentic atmosphere; even the back-stabbing; that makes up your average day in a news room.
The action is set during the US election week of 2004 but while the President goes about his task of getting back into power, the scribblers clearly have their own battles for power.
It’s not a great film, but it’s a lot better than some critics would have you believe.
Star Rating: 3/5
