Mindhorn review: Julian Barratt and Simon Farnaby bring their dry and silly humour to the big screen.
Mindhorn review by Luke Ryan Baldock.
British comedy always tends to do one character correctly, and that is the deluded narcissist. It’s been pointed out before that British comedy likes to laugh at people, especially those with ideas above their station, and with all the Blackadders, David Brents, Alan Partridges, and Garth Marenghis, is there room for any more? Writers/actors Julian Barratt and Simon Farnaby certainly seem to think so with their pastiche of small town police procedurals, 1980s cop dramas, and that delightfully quirky cliche of having somebody completely unskilled and untrained solving a crime.
The Mighty Boosh’s Barratt stars as Richard Thorncroft, an out of work actor struggling to make it. He spends his time between his flat in Walthamstow, and mistakenly being put forward to play Jamaicans in Kenneth Branagh’s latest production. This wasn’t always the case though, as Thorncroft was once Mindhorn a successful TV cop with a bionic eye that could tell the truth. As fate would have it, deranged suspected killer Paul Melly (Russell Tovey) is on the loose on The Isle of Man, and will only speak to Detective Mindhorn, who he believes to be real.
Mindhorn review
Thorncroft is a very archetypal British comic creation. He has far too much belief in himself, talks down to others, and makes the most incorrect of assumptions. Barratt is perfect for the role, adding a complete lack of self awareness which aids in making Thorncroft more relatable. It also helps that he is surrounded by a series of unlikable/annoying supporting players, most notably co-writer Farnaby’s crass Dutch stuntman, Clive Parnevik. Farnaby brings the irritation, while Tovey is a joy as a confused and simple-minded adult who idolises Mindhorn.
Barratt plays Thorncroft as a tragic character whose lack of understanding adds to both frustration and empathy. He shrugs off insults, fails to do what is in his best interest, and offends most people he comes into contact with. This humour can seem too familiar at times, but its quick wit, memorable lines, and spot-on slapstick, all adds together to make a hilarious antidote to brash Hollywood comedies. Embarrassing at times, Mindhorn never alienates the viewers, and know exactly how far to crank the stupidity level. Seeing Thorncroft forcibly resurrected as a living version of a Mindhorn action figure is as rib-tickling as it is unsettling.
Mindhorn review
Unlike its lead, Mindhorn is very aware of its limitations. Choosing to go for jokes and avoiding big set-pieces, while also capitalising on humour that has served Barratt well in the past, from Nathan Barley to The Mighty Boosh. It may seem to be oblivious, but the childish streak that runs through the darker story points is delightfully sinister. With a brisk running time and constantly moving plot, the film doesn’t rely on repetitive humour or gags extended far beyond their reach. It’s bound to gain a cult following, and who knows, maybe we’ll see the original series released on DVD.
Mindhorn review by Luke Ryan Baldock, April 2017.
Mindhorn will be released in UK cinemas on Friday 5th May, 2017.
