Pirate Radio doesn’t shiver Peter’s timbers

Editor’s note: Peter Lewis has agreed to use whatever it is you call his writing style to provide some measure of analysis to those folks who still go to a theater to see a movie. Enjoy.

review by Peter Lewis

If Pirate Radio, the latest film from Richard Curtis, were a song it would be a smooth, but somewhat limited hand-clapping tune. One that is pleasing to hear, but lacks much depth or substance. Perhaps something like “Wild Thing” by The Troggs or, better yet, something chock full of perfectly sculpted nostalgia like “Summer of 69” by Bryan Adams. Unfortunately, where these two songs have lasting power because of their simplicity, the film has very little.

Pirate Radio is most certainly a “fun” movie. As a rock movie, it takes a significant stab at greatness. There is a lot of pizazz, panache, and petulant behavior befitting of its time, but underneath there is not much coherency.

This film was initially released this past spring in the UK. After failing horribly, it was sent back to the editing room. While there were several issues with the original version of the film, much of the skewering was a result of its lengthy run time. This post-release editing was supposed to help shape the film and grant it a bit more direct coherency.

To be certain, the film is somewhat coherent. I always knew what was going on, but I was not always so sure I should be caring. The characters, even our compatriot Phillip Seymour Hoffman, seemed to be mere caricatures of a certain type. From the soulful ladies man and the hippie burnout to the rebel and the nerd who “lives for news and weather,” the characters were stock amalgamations of stereotypical figures.

This mass of men (women weren’t allowed on board, though they apparently made an exception for a lesbian cook) become a new home for the expelled godson of the radio’s owner, Quinton (played by the impeccable Bill Nighy). This godson, Carl (Tom Sturridge), despite being expelled for smoking (dope and cigarettes), is somewhat inexplicably naïve. Revolving mainly around Carl, the film is a story of his maturation and growth nestled into a larger story of rebellion against the establishment.

With a fiery and despotic conservative government minister badgering his subordinates to concoct plans to ensure the demise of pirate radio, a complete side story moves forward alongside the debaucherous and lewd goings on aboard the radio boat. Despite its status as a side story, this portion of the movie was a pleasant display of acting (and seemingly holds a deep reservoir of potential). From the uncomfortable silence of a Christmas lunch to the seemingly smarmy compliments, Sir Alistair Dormandy (played by Kenneth Branagh) was an absolute show stealer. The cold dynamic of his household offset by the noticeably uncomfortable Twatt (Jack Davenport) was a highlight of the film.

Running somewhat counter to this was the music. The flashy mash-ups of different people throughout the UK listening to the pop music featured by pirate radio stations was genuinely inspired. And it will no doubt fool a number of people into thinking, “now that was a good movie!” when in fact the film was mediocre at best.

There were a number of affecting scenes and flashes of emotional depth. Unfortunately, when seemingly minor bits like tertiary characters and the musical selections featured within the movie are what sticks after one exits the theater, one can be certain the the movie was lacking in many respects (my own thoughts were stuck on minor things like the slick aesthetics, the occasional anachronistic musical selection, and the minor supporting roles).

As such, upon seeing Pirate Radio, you may be left aching for something more, but you most likely will be leaving with a smile on your face. And I suppose there is always room for another smile in the world, even if it doesn’t quite rate one on my little meter.

• Pirate Radio is playing at the Carmike 14 in Fort Smith and the Malco Cinema 12 in Fort Smith. Link here for time and ticket info.

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