IN THE LOOP (2009)

Country: U.K.

Genre(s): Comedy

Director: Armondo Iannucci

Cast: Peter Capaldi / Tom Hollander / Chris Addison

Plot

After he makes a politically incorrect statement intimating a possible war in the Middle East, mid-level British politician Simon Foster and his associates find themselves in the United States as pawns in U.S. plans to orchestrate an unprovoked war.

What I Liked

First and foremost, it’s damn funny.  A “Dr. Strangelove” for the twenty-first century, it’s kind of frightening also, as it accurately portrays the way we all hope politicians do not actually behave themselves behind the scenes (but probably do).  For most of the characters involved, politics seems to be about three things, beating the opposition at any cost, personal advancement by any means, and trying not to cause a media scandal while doing the first two things.  Morality only serves as a rationale, something to spin into a convenient justification to do the three aforementioned things.  But, also, it’s funny.  Tom Hollander is perfect as the bungling British minister of something-or-rather who is in way over his head.  It’s refreshing to see James Gandolfini cast as something other than a thug; he is excellent as the only qualified military man in the debate, forced to stomach the pettiness and ignorance of politicians.  And Peter Capaldi’s is fucking delightful as a communications expert who can do nothing but projectile vomit obscenities and insults at everyone in the room with him. 

Lending strength to the film’s credibility, and thus its comedy, is its presentation.  While “In the Loop” doesn’t pretend to be a documentary and is therefore not technically a mockumentary, the photography and lighting are done in a documentary-like manner.  This not only brings a sense of realness to the characters and events, it lends to the chaotic atmosphere of all the political maneuvering and also reminds one of the 24-hour news networks that report on politics all day long.

What I Didn’t Like

I have no complaints at all.  Really, I tried to think of something and couldn’t.

Most Memorable Scene

For me, the moment that got the most laughs is when Foster’s assistant shows up late for an important meeting with a U.S. diplomat and tries to make excuses for himself afterwards.  Foster’s verbal reaction is great.  Some of the best lines of the movie.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5