Choke

Sam Rockwell and Angelica Huston take an often uncomfortable and sideways look at dementia, addiction and responsibility, not necessarily in that order.

Vince (Rockwell) is a self-confessed sex addict, going to weekly meetings to try and stave off the need for the beast with two backs. He regularly fails spectacularly in this respect, often having sex with some of the addicts in his group in adjoining rooms while the rest of these poor, unfortunate souls well up and spill out their problems to those that remain oblivious to his erotic charms.

Whilst his failure to stay on the wagon continues, we are introduced to both his job as a tourist guide, his co-workers who to a man, but one, would like nothing more than to see him unemployed and his mother, who is suffering from increasingly desperate, and by turns comical, senility.

Chuck Palahniuk’s novel is brought beautifully to life, echoing the subversive and subtle overtones he impresses upon his readership. Clark Gregg directs this piece carefully and the script is both tightly wound and much like Fincher’s handling of Fight Club, cleverly dissected and dismantled for a viewing audience.

The film is never rushed, but also never falters in its story-telling and whilst this probably originates from Palahniuk’s most accessible work, it may still prove a little too outlandish for many. Rockwell produces a fine performance, displaying a grifter’s eye with a regular incredulity that even despite Victor’s life as it is, never becomes unbelievable to the viewer.

Brad William Henke and Kelly MacDonald both support well and while the former should do well out of this, it is equally nice to see MacDonald choosing parts that increase her already formidable range. Both of their characters are much like the leads. Flawed, fascinating and decidedly quirky.

Altogether an odd outing that will probably pass most movie-goers straight by, which is a shame as this is well realised, acted, written and directed. As I say, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but notwithstanding, it is an admirable addition to the portfolio of all of those involved. Much like most of Palahniuk’s work, this is a difficult one to pigeon-hole. Yes, it is a comedy and whilst there are several laughs to be had from it, they usually appear at the expense of the human conditions we are all guilty of and are also followed by something that gives the light-hearted throwaway attitudes displayed some considered and sober gravitas.

The greatest compliment I can feasibly give to it is that my first reaction after watching it was to start at the beginning and sit through it again.