44. Husband; movie review

HUSBAND

Cert 15

70 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language

For the past seven months I have been at the side of my wife of 34 years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

As a husband, I have taken very seriuously my role in support of my best friend... the person I literally couldn't do without.

I was, therefore, the last person to have found empathy with a movie which basically tears the male spouse role apart.

And what really rankled was a couple falling out over nothing. 

If this film is really a record of Josh Appignanesi and Devorah Baum's relationship, they may be each need to find someone who will make them happier.

If it is fiction, then it is depressing rather than hilarious.

The theme of Husband is basically Appignanesi's hoplessness. It begins with him losing his passport as his wife arrives in New York to promote her book.

Frankly, it is a shame he replaced it. Because, when he finally arrives to be with her and their two children, she seems disamyed.

And this irritation with him contiunues throughout the movie.

I wondered what the point of Husband was - even the man-child Appignanesi says: "Nobody's gonna watch this film." and asks: "Is it really a film?"

He then adds: "I'm not going to watch it. I am the last person who's gonna watch it."

Baum cuts a contradictory figure - an acclaimed writer, who tells amusing anecdotes to her audience but admits to self-hate and paranoia.

My question was why would she agree to being on film when she is so fearful of what people think of her?

Buy my biggest sadness was when her husband proclaims that he is madly in love with her and says: "Does that not count for anything?" and she replies: "No."

Was it a lie for the camera? Was it meant to be funny?

I would be heartbroken if Mrs W had said that to me. 

Reasons to watch: Personal spouse interactions

Reasons to avoid: It is pretty depressing

Laughs: One

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 4/10

Did you know? Devorah Baum is listed as an associate professor at the University of Southampton with research interests in marriage, docufiction and humour.

The final word. “It is not fiction. It’s not a straight documentary either, It’s something that’s intimately collaborative, that you could only really make if there were only two of you." Business Doc Europe

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