In the Loop

Based on Armando Iannucci's BBC series The Thick of It, In the Loop is a satrical look at the relationship between America and Britain in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq. The film begins with the MP for International Development, Simon Foster (Tom Hollander), saying in an interview that he believed that war was 'unforseeable', going against the government's 'line' on the growing hostility in the Middle East. Even after being repremanded by Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi) the Director of Communications for the Prime Minister, Foster goes on to say that people must 'climb the mountain of conflict'. Foster's remarks coincide with a visit to England by various American officials, including anti-war Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomacy Karen Clark (Mimi Kennedy) and pro-war Assistant Secretary of State for Policy Linton Barwick (David Rasche) both of whom try and use Foster as an English supporter for their policies.

The movement of The Thick of It from the small screen to a film is mostly successful. In the Loop keeps the television series' almost documentary style filming, and semi-improvised dialogue. Plus, many of the actors who have been seen in the BBC series appear again in the film; in addition to Capaldi and Hollander, Chris Addison, Paul Higgins, James Smith, Olivia Poulet and Joanna Scanlan also all appear, although only Capaldi and Higgins play the same characters. There are also cameos by James Gandolfini (of Sopranos fame) as General Miller of the Pentagon and Steve Coogan as Paul Michaelson, one of Foster's consitutents. However, it could be the case that the film could appear quite 'small' on a cinema screen, as I've only watched it at home I could not comment on it, but it is more intimate even than other TV shows that deal with politics, such as The West Wing.

Pretty much all of the performances are pretty solid. Peter Capaldi is brilliant as the fearsome Malcolm, also bringing some softness to the role as well as a foul mouth, and Tom Hollander is also good as a politican desperatly trying to keep hold of his principals (whatever they may be). Addison, despite saying he is in no way an actor, is good as the slightly arrogant Toby who is responsible to various press intrusions into the breakdown towards the war. On the American side, Gandolfini is brilliant as the big bear of a general and Zach Woods also turns in a good performance as Chad, the slightly creepy aide to Karen Clark, desperate to work for her counterpoint. Gina McKee also deserves recognition for a slightly small role as Foster's Director of Communications.

Whilst the film is essentially a comedy; the ending is somewhat bittersweet as the inevitable war action does go ahead, leaving Clark, Miller, Foster and Wright in the lurch. It is thought that it is this slight change in tone is the reason for In the Loop not doing as well in America, despite good reviews, as it was released around the inaugration of Barack Obama, and people had a different mood towards their politics.

I really enjoyed it, and I'm really hoping that The Thick of It, returns to our television screens soon.