352. Rialto; movie review

 

 

RIALTO

Cert 15

90 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong sex, very strong language

"Are we meant to be feeling sorry for this fella or be angry at him?"

Movies should engender passion but Mrs W and I wondered whether Pete Mackie Burns intended for us to feel exasperated by his central character Colm (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor).

Colm is in his mid-40s and has a comfortable life with a managerial job in Dublin's docks, two teenage children, and a kind, loyal wife in Claire (Monica Dolan).

But after the death of his domineering father, Colm's life begins a downward spiral that sees him lose his job and jeopardise his home life.

Rialto begins with Colm is involved in an encounter with a 19-year-old prostitute (Tom Glynn-Carney) in a men's toilet and then being blackmailed by him.

However, instead of being petrified, Colm appears addicted to the danger... and the young man.

Indeed, his recklessness puts at risk a family life which is already under strain because of his fearsome drinking.

The latter gets worse as the film progresses, affected by his unemployment, father's death, sexual obsession, antipathy to his wife and antagonism towards his son (Scott Graham)

There are so many influences that it is difficult to grasp what is sending Colm over the edge and what we should make of his sorry tale.

Indeed, Rialto is so wretchedly miserable, I felt myself lucky not be following him into the pit of depression.

So, despite credible acting, we couldn't endorse it.

Reasons to watch: Unusual storyline

Reasons to avoid: Doesn't have a clear focus

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 4/10

Did you know? Two-thirds of Ireland's port traffic travels via Dublin port, which is by far the busiest on the island of Ireland. Recently, the port and its land, mostly at the eastern end of Dublin's Northside was valued at between €25bn and €30 billion.

The final word. Peter Mackie Burns: "Colm views himself as a failure as a parent – a father – and a man. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy one might say. Cognisant of the situation as he is, Colm cannot help but punish his son because of his own failings." Home

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