genius.

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While looking for information regarding the score to Nil by Mouth, I came across these comments that compelled me to respond.

We like what we like and form our own opinions. We care not for the opinion of critics and naysayers and dismiss it as the drivel it is. Why waste your time on the closed-minded views of those who obviously do not have in inkling of the difference between reality and Hollywood BS, have no taste or tolerance for realism in film and simply stated, do not understand the story tellers' view.

Let them return to their fantasies; to their nice, quiet "Age of Innocence" where nothing ever happens or their useless bang-bang you're dead, f... me action sequels. You either like realism in drama or you don't and if you don't, shut up about it. Those of us who do don't care.

To those who do not understand the dialect, listen harder; listen again. I'm an American. I did. It is well worth the effort. How hard is it in this day and age to discover the differences in British and American English/slang? Get on the Internet. Go to the library. One cannot form an opinion about something one does not understand. So, how on earth did these people come to the conclusion that they were entitled to comment on this mans' work. Those same people probably do not understand Shakespeare either, but that doesn't make it bad, now does it.

As for the "American idiot" counting the number of times profanity is used in the movie, perhaps he/she is not aware that there is a real world inhabited by real people out here. A world that is not made up of Hollywood Doris Days or even Eddie Murphy stand-up where profanity is used just for the sake of profanity.

Although I am an American and haven't the slightest idea of what the dialect spoken in Southeast London may or may not be, the dialog in this film left me with no other impression than that of a true-to-life experience. Language is a natural expression of the environment we live in; we're raised in; not thought up or contrived. We are all just a product of our environment.

Had these viewers focused their attention on the characters, the story, the direction and the casts' outstanding performances, they might not have missed Mr. Oldman's point. The message he so flawlessly conveyed to anyone with the slightest bit of emotional or social awareness or just plain compassion for mankind and the struggle we all face everywhere at one time or another in our lives.

I might as well have been a zombie, as after ten or fifteen minutes I could not move my eyes from the screen. Nil by Mouth is wonderful. It moved me beyond words. I am not ashamed to say in the end I sat for a moment in silence (in some degree of shock for its feel of authenticity). Then wept. Perhaps because it was indeed so realistic or because the subject matter, unfortunately, is near and dear to my heart.

It did not depress me, but instead served as a reminder that after all, we are all basically the same. Different countries. Different dialects. Same struggles. Same families. Same relationships, love, violence, abuse, despair, acquiescence, and complaisance. I immediately had to watch it a second time.

Of course, how could one be surprised when it comes from the heart of a talent as great as Gary Oldman. I am amazed that he seems such a normal person (a regular Joe) with this simply unbelievable ability to manipulate your emotions; your mood; to show you in his performance and direction the truth; to take fiction and make it real; to bring the past to the present. His talent is honest, passionate, heartfelt and outstanding.

Although I do not know the man and unless he demonstrated it to me personally, no one could ever convince me that he is not a man of implicit integrity who in all probability has sacrificed much in his personal and professional life to get to the place he has so laboriously reached today. Certainly not the "word-counters", critics, heartless gossipmongers or tabloids.

The "word counter" must not have seen any of Mr. Oldman's performances or read any of his genuine interviews. Had he done so, he would know that he is not the type of man, actor or director who would do anything other than write a story, portray a character or direct a picture as honestly and realistically as his creative abilities (which in my opinion are great) would allow. As evident in his acting (and now directing) career, Mr. Oldman gives everything he commits to his full and utmost attention. I personally do not believe it is in his nature to create half-heartedly.

In this Americans' humble opinion, if Nil by Mouth is not the best British film (or film for that matter) I have seen to-date, I could not imagine what is. If anyone out there is able to recommend other movies of this caliber, please, educate me. I am not so naive as to assume I have seen all the great movies of the past or present.

Thanks for letting me vent. It just pisses me off when great talent pours out everything, gives you heart and soul, and is then vilified by ignorance.

Cheers!

P.S. One more little note… Americans are not all idiots, just as all British do not have bad teeth.

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