The West Wittering Affair

Saw this in Cambridge last night. Normally the phrase "improvised low-budget British comedy" provokes a little trepidation, but I was very pleasantly surprised by "The West Wittering Affair", probably because of its being improvised by actors rather than professional comedians. Where some mega budget 'comedies' have left me stony faced this unpretentious little film had emotional depth, a genuinely warm heart and a couple of laugh out loud moments, mostly at the expense of the middle class obsession with therapy.

'Low' doesn't quite do justice to the film maker's budget; 'micro' or possibly even 'nano-budget' might cover it. The limited resources are, however, put to good use with the necessarily close, claustrophobic locations adding to the drama while the occasional bit of creative DV camera work is used where necessary. The cast all do well and seem to be having fun throughout. So, you won't see big stars, special effects and sumptuous sets, but you will see a film that may make you feel a little better coming out than you did when you went in.

I saw this film in Cambridge on December 15th. I have three criteria by which I measure my enjoyment of a film. 1. Does it flow well? This film was well paced, no 'looking at the watch' moments. 90 minutes was the right length. 2. Do I care what happens to the characters? Yes, unlike the Guardian critic I found the characters likable. 3. Does it have a good ending? This one concluded well drawing all the strings together at the close. Using video made the characters more believable and the use of the very humorous sex therapy session provided an insight into the way the characters thought. It is well worth the watch and worth 4 stars not 3 in the Guardian. Well written, well directed and well acted.

i saw a preview screening of this very funny film in London. It maybe because I am German, but and i really liked the 'Mens group' sex therapy sessions; with the strange bald man(Jon Willis) and the clever sex psychologist (malcolm Ridley)who were so English and very funny. the man(Danny Shineman) who slept with the two girls played his problems so well!The best of all are the women(Sara Sutcliff) - who have to deal with these mad men.It was impressive to see a film so well shot, and all the script was improvised by the actors like a Dogma movie.i think it was the producer who gave a talk and said it would be out soon - it is worth seeing this new film

On handheld camera, out of focus, improv poorly done. worst scene was 2 fornicators (without visual sex scene) not acting uncomfortable at breakfast.

I was privileged to catch this at the excellent Greenwich Film Festival and haven't laughed so much in years!

A very interesting and original production, played out in flashbacks that are superbly edited, so that they add to the enjoyment rather than detract from it. A sexy, witty, observant, delightful movie.

The characterisation was spot-on, with the audience really involved with each character from the start and keen to learn the next twist in the plot. Their peculiarities and flaws most of us share in some form!

Very funny and well-paced, with an extremely likable and professional ensemble cast.

Deserves to really hit the big time; it is so much better than so many Hollywood movies. I impatiently await the DVD...

Go see it!