44 Inch Chest February 5, 2010

From the writers of Sexy Beast comes a powerful drama of a wronged husband trying to regain his self respect, in this spectacularly foul-mouthed acting tour de force. Colin (Ray Winstone) lies sobbing in a wrecked room, his wife of 21 years, Liz (played with Mirren-like sensuality by Joanne Whalley) has left him. He calls his mate, Archie (Tom Wilkinson), who’s just settling in on the sofa with his aged mum, to gather up the rest of the sometime-gang: Old Man Peanut (John Hurt), Meredith (Ian McShane), and Mal (Stephen Dillane). The motley crew of old friends rallies to his aid, though their plot to kidnap the lover and push Colin into taking revenge is misguided in conception and inept in execution. Hurt is hilarious as the old con telling the story of Samson and Delilah, complete with clips from the Victor Mature film. A provocative and darkly funny study of masculinity at its most troubling, it gives the actors full rein to explore the male ego pushed to its limits, and this wonderful ensemble certainly rises to the task.

44 INCH CHEST marks the debut feature of noted photographer and filmmaker Malcolm Venville, and is produced by Richard Brown and Steve Golin, who with (Babel, Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind) among many others, has specialized in innovative pictures that take challenging risks.

“Behold some of the finest actors working today.” – Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post

“Terrific cast enlivens this theatrical production that channels the sensibility of the late, great Dennis Potter.” – Rex Roberts, Film Journal International

The film’s running time is 94 minutes; it is rated R. In English.

Showtimes (valid 2/5-2/11): Fri-Thu at 1:25, 4:20, 7:15, and 9:25

Official Website: http://www.landmarktheatres.com/tickets/