Small Time Obsession

I'm not saying that there is something wrong with the Polish community but, if the new film by Piotr Szkopiak is anything to go by then lock up your daughters the Poles are coming! With exotic backdrops of the Woolich Ferry and Catford Dogs we watch how a love triangle grows, rages out of control and eventually comes to an extremely violent conclusion, helped along by a cast of quirky Polish mothers, Metro driving Geordies and well dressed Irish madmen.

Inspired location choices and clever filming techniques give the film a realistic edge to. The films pace is snappy and for a first feature, the script, (written by Mr Szkopiak) is outstanding. Only one minor criticism the scene lengths are in places too long and cutting a few minutes here and there could easily remedy this making the film nothing short of perfect!

So what's next from Mr Szkopiak? Well we can but wait with hushed anticipation!

If anyone says that this is a bad film then take it from me – they are wrong. Rent it, buy it, whatever – you won't be disappointed. If you are then I really don't know what the problem is. This is a movie movie, not a pop video. If you like your films well crafted and intelligent then this is definitely for you. Thank the stars someone still wants to make something like a worthwhile film rather than just jumping on a bandwagon. Its low budget and has no stars. Its slow and some bits don't work. Listen to me - it doesn't matter. See it. You'll enjoy it. If you don't then I really think you can't be a very happy person.

As a viewer and fan of international film, it is always interesting to get a taste of the thoughts, lives and passions of individuals from other countries. In `Small Time Obsession' we get this view twofold. Firstly, with the characters being from the streets of London and, secondly, thrown into the mix, the ethnic background of ‘the gang' all having Polish roots via their family backgrounds.

An interesting duality that causes the characters to become ‘caught in the middle', as it were, between old-world ideals and doing what they believe is right in order to get ahead. Situations seemingly which are all too familiar; yet, are handled so differently by each character. Their thoughts, lives and passions are found to be not so different from the rest of us. And, why should they be any different? We just want to see how 'they' handle it, from the comfort of our seats (which we are glued to, by the way).

With proficient and enticing camera work, not only our visual perceptions are heightened but also our relationships with the characters are enhanced. Good solid acting along with a reality-based story really come together well here -- another duality whose synergy flows with the director Piotr Szkopiak's truly perceptive eye. For me, `Small Time Obsession' has the caliber of being a `Big Time Film'.

I look forward to what Piotr Szkopiak has in store for us next.

When I first got the video of this film, I thought this would be very much a `boy's film' - probably a lot of swearing and violence. There is swearing and there is violence but it is also a very sensitive film about growing up. The best thing was that the acting was very good and the story kept me interested all the way through. I thought the scenes with the parents were particularly well done with the boy speaking in English while his parents spoke in Polish. I hadn't seen it done in this way before and being Spanish myself I was surprised how similar the Polish parents were to my own. I used to speak to them in English in the same way. A very good film. I would recommend it.

This film is worth the highest praise not only because it was made for a ridiculously small amount of money but because the result is a classy, if gritty, piece of entertainment. Even though its been labeled a gangster film, it doesn't go the obvious route and concentrates on the characters and their relationships rather than physical action. It isn't flashy but in a good way. The shots don't constantly fly around but let you get into the story. The pace is slow but satisfying. It looks great and the music is perfect. The acting is excellent and it is so refreshing to see some new, young and talented faces in the lead roles. I also liked it so much more because it was just such a pleasant surprise. It just shows that the best way to see films is not to know too much about them. I cannot recommend this film more.