Here’s a film that’s pretty much flown under our radar. We first took notice of the film when it appeared on the 2010 SXSW film festival schedule. We were intrigued by the cast that includes Rhys Ifans, Chloë Sevigny, David Thewlis, Luis Tosar, Crispin Glover, Omad Djalili and that it followed the true story of Howard Marks, one of Britain’s most infamous criminal masterminds. In addition, it’s directed by Bernard Rose who helmed “Candyman,” and “Immortal Beloved,” so it’s possible this could be pretty interesting.
Anyhow, as happens at festivals, we didn’t end up seeing it and sort of forgot about it, but now a trailer for the film has surfaced in anticipation of its bow in UK cinemas. It definitely looks like a lot of fun and Rhys Ifans in particular seems to be relishing his lead role. We like the gritty, period feel to the film but we are concerned that it appears to be a pretty pedestrian trip down the typical “wanted-drug-dealer-film” road. Here’s the complete — if irritatingly scattershot — official synopsis:
Nuclear physicist, marijuana connoisseur, school teacher, money launderer, gentleman, fugitive and spy. Raconteur, travel agent, writer, philosopher of science and supposed 20th century gay icon. Rock Music tour promoter, public speaker, board game appreciator and the biggest dope smuggler on the planet. MR NICE.
From: Kenfig, South Wales, 1945. To: Oxford University, Germany, London, Ireland, Pakistan, Amsterdam, Thailand, Ibiza, Majorca, Manila, America. Jail.
Contact with: the mafia, CIA, IRA and MI6.
43 aliases, 4 kids, 89 phone lines, 25 companies throughout the world and over one million books sold. We follow Howard’s prodigious rise. And fall. This is the frequently hilarious, occasionally sad, and often surreal story of Howard’s life so far.
The film will hit UK theaters this fall though no Stateside release dates have been yet, nor does it have a distributor yet in place.