Ravenous, for most people is an undiscovered gem. Please seek this out fans of horror or comedy, or just fans of interesting films with a skewed take on the world. The film was directed by the late Antonia Bird, a fine British talent that left us far too soon.
So, what’s the story? Well this is a film about a cannibal, but don’t worry it’s nothing to do with Lucio Fulci, it’s more a twisted western about an Indian legend come to life. It’s a very suspenseful black comedy with the great Robert Carlyle at centre stage. He’s by turns pathetic, scary and charismatic – it’s a skilled performance that holds the film together perfectly.
What is really good about this film is the careful direction of Bird, this could have been ridiculous but she keeps the story clear and the mood and atmosphere realistic, even if we are moving into the area of myth and mirth.
The film is funny, but finally the last few scenes move into something all together bigger and better. The soundtrack by Damon Albarn and Michael Nyman is also excellent.
So, it’s undiscovered, released at the time without fanfare and gradually as the years pass the film gets a better and bigger reputation. This is a serious black comedy. Good food, good meat, good god, let’s eat. The trailer is below, again, the trailer is naff.
So, 31 films to go…
Matthew Cooper has written for Emmerdale, Eastenders, Hollyoaks and Family Affairs. He was winner of the first ever Lloyds Bank Channel Four Film Challenge and the Oscar Moore Screenplay Prize. His first short film starred a then unknown Ewan McGregor and was picked up by Channel Four when Matthew was 19 years old. He’s been a script writer for hire, filmmaker for hire and script consultant for over 20 years.