DVDs in Review

Is Anybody There?

Title: Is Anybody There? (2009)

Release date: September 14 2009

Certificate: 12

Format: Reviewed on DVD, available on Blu-ray

DVD RRP: £17.99

Rating: 4/5

In what may be best described as a brilliant hybrid of 'Venus' and 'Harold  and Maude' set in the 1980s, this brilliant little film gives Michael Caine the kind of leading role he deserves, rather than being the big-budget supporting player he has been in recent years.

Caine stars as Clarence, a magician who has lost his wife and is slowly dwindling into despair. As a last resort he's moved into an old people's home run by a couple whose marriage is on the rocks (played by two TV stars: Anne-Marie Duff of 'Shameless' and David Morrissey from 'Red Riding').

Their son Edward (Bill Milner – 'Son of Rambow') is too young to really understand why the residents in their house keep keeling over or remain inactive throughout their days. His morbid fascination with death and old age has led him to try and record the sound of a person's soul escaping or their last breath.

Somewhat against the odds, Edward and Clarence bond together with the old man telling him that he should be living his life to the fullest and not being so preoccupied with death, while the boy manages to draw him out into talking about his deceased wife.

It really isn't as grim as it sounds. The black comedy edge runs very sharply throughout, thanks to the performances by the excellent choice of actors who really make the most of the material. Leslie Phillips (who brilliantly starred alongside Peter O'Toole in 'Venus') crops up in another dependable, and funny, supporting role as one of the home's residents.

It's interesting to see a film that dissects life between the very young and the very old, somehow finding a middle ground. The role of the parents provides a solid base that connects these two worlds and their subplots aren't just throwaway either – they're equally thoughtful and observant, loaded with little comedic touches. David Morrissey in particular is brilliantly cast, complete with a 1980s mullet.

All in all, this is a slow burning (yet brief at 90 minutes), solid little film that works more because of its acting than its plot. It doesn't have the lasting magic of 'Venus' or 'Harold and Maude' but it's a welcome addition to the black comedy character-driven drama genre. Fans of any of the cast members will want to seek it out. Optimum's DVD contains interviews and a trailer.