In the Loop does what sets out to do very well. It mercilessly pokes fun at parts of the political, bureaucratic and military establishments on both sides of the Atlantic.
It uses the build up to an Iraq-type invasion to demonstrate how underlings are manipulated and/or discarded so that decisions already made by the people at the very top are justified. Similar territory to "Wag the Dog" then, with extra swear words and a British twist.
The only honest character is Malcolm Tucker, the UK Prime Ministers chief spin-doctor. He makes it quite clear that his only interest is to protect his boss, by any means necessary, including bribes, blackmail and any other tools that are at hand. Peter Capaldi relishes chewing the scenery and scaring the children whenever he is on screen. All the other characters shift their position from minute to minute to desperately try to further their future careers. Tom Hollander is excellent as the Minister in the centre of the self inflicted media storm over injudicious comments about an upcoming war. He knows what he should do but really doesn't have the balls to do it.
There are some great scenes and dialogue. I enjoyed how the collapsing wall in the minister's house in England intrudes in his efforts to be at the centre of world affairs. Steve Coogan has a nice cameo as the irate neighbour.
The film doesn't tell us anything we don't already know. We don't need a report on the decision to invade Iraq to know that nations, statesmen and the people who work under statesmen probably act in their own self interest rather than the best interest of their own country or the world as a whole. Machiavelli told us that some time ago. However it must be a good thing to show us how ridiculous the manoeuvrings of this murky world must be.
Plus it was great to see David Rasche (who I've loved since "Sledge Hammer" on TV oh so long ago) in great form as one of the US power brokers.
It uses the build up to an Iraq-type invasion to demonstrate how underlings are manipulated and/or discarded so that decisions already made by the people at the very top are justified. Similar territory to "Wag the Dog" then, with extra swear words and a British twist.
The only honest character is Malcolm Tucker, the UK Prime Ministers chief spin-doctor. He makes it quite clear that his only interest is to protect his boss, by any means necessary, including bribes, blackmail and any other tools that are at hand. Peter Capaldi relishes chewing the scenery and scaring the children whenever he is on screen. All the other characters shift their position from minute to minute to desperately try to further their future careers. Tom Hollander is excellent as the Minister in the centre of the self inflicted media storm over injudicious comments about an upcoming war. He knows what he should do but really doesn't have the balls to do it.
There are some great scenes and dialogue. I enjoyed how the collapsing wall in the minister's house in England intrudes in his efforts to be at the centre of world affairs. Steve Coogan has a nice cameo as the irate neighbour.
The film doesn't tell us anything we don't already know. We don't need a report on the decision to invade Iraq to know that nations, statesmen and the people who work under statesmen probably act in their own self interest rather than the best interest of their own country or the world as a whole. Machiavelli told us that some time ago. However it must be a good thing to show us how ridiculous the manoeuvrings of this murky world must be.
Plus it was great to see David Rasche (who I've loved since "Sledge Hammer" on TV oh so long ago) in great form as one of the US power brokers.