116. Benjamin; movie review

BENJAMIN
Cert 15
83 mins
BBFC advice: Contains very strong language, drug misuse

I have often mused over whether movie critics are stuck in an arty London bubble where conversations flow about the meaning of life.
Therefore, they rather like films which reflect their own set. Indeed, as in the case of Benjamin, they may even find them hilarious.
I wonder how Simon Amstell's semi-autobiographical movie would go down in the hard towns and cities of the north.
Maybe university students might enjoy it but I could only imagine working class folk rolling their eyes or simply walking out.
Benjamin is a gay film-maker who constantly questions his own talent while simultaneously making a mess of relationships.
I could not fathom why he consistently offends those people he supposedly likes (or even loves), let alone why he is utterly obnoxious to those for whom he doesn't care.
It would appear that the audience is meant to feel sorry for Benjamin and forgive or even laugh at his uncanny ability to stick his foot in his mouth.
I must be a complete simpleton because I just found him so self-obsessed and rude that if I had had the misfortune of being in his company in a bar, he would prompt me to leave before finishing my pint.
Anyway, Benjamin (Colin Morgan) creates a movie which is feted and condemned in almost equal measure and during its promotion he falls for a much younger French singer (Phénix Brossard).
I have to be honest and state that I found Benjamin irritating while he is in a relationship and even more annoying when he is out of one.
His navel-gazing and leaning on the blame game wasn't funny - just rather sad.
The saving grace is its rather excellent soundtrack but, that apart, Benjamin left me stone cold. But, hey, I am not a part of the London art scene so it probably wasn't aimed at me.

Reasons to watch: If you are a fan of Simon Amstell
Reasons to avoid: If you are not an arty Bohemian

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: Yes
Nudity: Bare bums
Overall rating: 4/10

Did you know? Simon Amstell's first television appearance was in 1993 when he appeared as a contestant on the Channel 4 game show GamesMaster. 

The final word. Simon Amstell: "As a performer sometimes you have to realise that all you are doing is providing a night out for people. It might be incredibly deep for me what I say on stage or what I put in the film, like it’s all really personal, revealing and healing for me…. But for a lot of people it’s just them seeking for something to do after dinner. " Candid

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