Review of Hoffman

Introduction

One of Sellers` lesser known movies, this is Disc One of Momentum Pictures` "Peter Sellers Collection" (licenced from Canal Plus via Kinowelt). Rated 15, the movie is one of Sellers` more serious works although described as a sex comedy. Sellers plays the title character, a seedy, sad little man who blackmails typist Sinead Cusack into spending the week with him. A relationship develops, but an uncomfortably sleazy air spoils what could be an elegant subversion of expectations. The end result is depressingly reminiscent of the old-fashioned variety of tv play-for-today the story was written as.

Video

Presented in its original 1.85:1 anamorphic, the film is typical of 1970`s British film production. Seedy-looking locations, grainy film stock and a fair old bit of print damage make for a depressing look.

Audio

The soundtrack is of the typical shrill 1970`s mono variety, although of note is a title track by Ron Grainer (of Dr Who and Steptoe & Son fame.)

Features

This is an extras-free zone, offering only a static chapter menu in addition to "play".

Conclusion

Not one of Sellers` shining moments. Arguably Sellers was a comic genius - possibly certifiable - but a genius nonetheless. He was capable of stunning performances and vaudevillean slapstick. Compared with comparable films such as "I Love You Alice B Toklas" and "erehT[at]s A Girl In My Soup", "Hoffman" is a disappointment.