A Film with Me in It

A Film With Me in It is a brilliantly dark Irish comedy from the year 2008 directed by Ian Fitzgibbon. The film features notable actors such as award-winning Dylan Moran, Mark Doherty, and Keith Allen. This movie falls mainly under the genre of dark comedy, yet it also lets loose some glimpses of thriller, suspense, and horror elements blended well to create a humorous narrative.

The plot revolves around Mark (played by Mark Doherty), a down-on-his-luck actor, living in a derelict apartment with his disabled brother and his less-than-motivated girlfriend. Mark's failing acting career, his lack of money, and his difficult personal life have caused him significant stress. He dreams of having a breakthrough in acting but is stuck playing small parts in unknown films. He is struggling to make a bright future while dealing with his present calamities, which adds a touch of melancholy to the comedic narrative.

On the other end of the scale is Mark's friend, Pierce, played by Dylan Moran, better known for his role in ‘Black Books’. Dylan's performance nimbly elevates the film to its darkly comedic heights. Pierce is an unsuccessful writer who, like Mark, also dreams of achieving great success in his career. Together, they decide to write a film script centred on Mark's apartment's peculiarities that will make their struggling careers take a turn for the best.

However, the duo’s mundane existence abruptly develops into a series of unfortunate events, quickly turning their residence into a death trap due to a series of accidents. Mark and Pierce are forced to handle the quirky and surprisingly dangerous chaos that unravels within the building. Dynamic in its accidents, the film portrays an unpredictable series of events full of laughter, surprises, and shock.

Keith Allen plays the role of Jack, Mark's landlord, who also gets caught up in the disarray occurring in the apartment. The situation’s tonality becomes increasingly dark, leading the narrative from comedic to thriller-based situations.

The movie's most notable triumph is its ability to keep the viewers engaged, even within the space of a single set for the majority of the movie - Mark's shabby and dangerous apartment. The film demonstrates a clever ability to shift the atmosphere through smart visual hints, quick and witty dialogues, jinxed incidents, and the interaction between characters, all happening within the confinement of the apartment.

The blend of characters is exceptionally well-realized, with each one distinct, and their personas truly shine throughout the film. The excellent writing and dialogues maintain a balanced mix of comedy and suspense, while the narrative provides multiple surprises that maintain the audience’s interest throughout.

The dynamic relationship between Mark and Pierce adds to the chaos and panic that surrounds them. At the same time, they are trying to be rational and maintaining an appearance of normality in front of others, despite the mounting disasters in their apartment. This absurd attempt at normality in an increasingly bizarre situation amplifies the comedic brilliance of the film.

Shot beautifully, the cinematography provides an apt scale to the narrative. Lighting, camera angles, and shots inside the apartment make the viewer part of the setting while reflecting the characters' claustrophobic feelings.

In summary, A Film with Me in It is a remarkable demonstration of clever writing and fantastic performances, which makes for a truly formidable black comedy dealing with accidents, disastrous circumstances, and two men's desperate attempts to deal with it without losing their sanity. If you are a fan of dark humor, suspense, and thrillers expressed in a fresh way, this movie would be one to watch. Dylan Moran's and Mark Doherty's impeccable timing, distinguishable performances, combined with an interesting and unexpected plot, make this movie an unmissable gem that leaves you engaged, entertained, and eager for more.