User reviews

Like it's almost simultaneously made-for-TV mate 'Vacuuming Completely Nude in Paradise' these 2 low budget TV films seem to be Boyle's reaction to getting caught up in the machinery of Hollywood -- both in style (shot on video, lots of hand-held, a rawness) and in theme (both are, in their own ways, satires on the ills of capitalism and selling out). But where 'Vacuuming' was more of an over the top, super dark and somewhat angry comedy/satire, 'Strumpet is a bit more gentle and fairy-tale like. An angry young poet (a great Chris Eccelston), who is followed by the stray neighborhood dogs everywhere (hence his name 'Strayman') meets an adorable waif like young woman who can (sort of) play the guitar. They dance around in his living room, her naked, singing a song made up from the words of his poems, which he has scribbled all over the wall. A goofily enterprising young neighbor makes a demo tape, and sets out to get them a career. And lo and behold, he pulls it off, but at the expense of almost destroying who they are as the system tries to mainstream them. This is charming, well acted stuff, although hard to take seriously on any but the most fanciful level. The idea that these two screaming bizarre poetry would be swept up as the 'next big thing' is very far-fetched, especially since the song really isn't that great (which may well be part of the point). On some levels the second half, about the corrupting evils of the record business taking away their innocence is overly familiar, even if done here with more originality than usual. But the opening half, as these two oddballs just get to know and trust each other, is deeply charming.

Don't expect a new 'Shallow Grave' or 'Trainspotting'; this is a film rather for the people who appreciated 'Trainspotting' for it's refined criticism against drugs and the so-called generation X, for people who noticed how tragic that story really was, then for people who loved it for it's drug- and action scenes. Christopher Eccleston is just terrific in this picture which is very vivid, quite original and has a certain -sometimes sarcastic- sence of humor. See for yourself what it is about, and be nicely surprised!

Director Danny Boyle , Producer Martin Carr and Jim Cartwright have achieved what many would be afraid to do. This feature shot on dv has captured the heart of true movie making with is truthful, raw beauty. Strumpet is a coolly ambivalent study into a modern-day fairy tale, an outcast called Strayman, who lives by himself with a pack of dogs, writes what he feels about life on the walls of his flat. The savage but true poet who falls for a beautiful singer, they encounter a producer who sets both their poetry and music in motion. Instead of dwelling on the pretentious liaisons between artists and the industry, director Danny Boyle explores the changing relationships between people before and after their natural talent is stifled by the hold of the commercial music industry. Jim Cartwright's story is a study into real modern day fairytale storytelling, concentrating on making an assertion that even in this life, dreams will be realised. At the centre of this, is the modern day hero 'Strayman', played by Christopher Eccleston. One of the cinema's most fearless actors, Eccleston brings a melancholic yet truly heart-warming presence to create one the most unique of characters. Uplifting and truthful, 'Strumpet' echoes the message that dreams can be realised and great films can be made on whatever canvas the story unfolds.

Story of a good-for-nothing poet and a sidekick singer who puts his words to music. Director Danny Boyle has lost none of his predilection for raking in the gutter of humanity for characters but he has lost, in this film, the edge for creating inspiring and funny films. Strumpet is painful to watch and barely justified by the fact that it was made for TV.

Just seen "Stumpet" on TV and thought that it was certainly one of the more interesting films I have seen of late. I had to write this as I have read the previous review and it didn't seem to do it justice. Sure, Strumpet is rough round the edges, it's not as sanitized or as colourful as Shallow Grave or Trainspotting, but in my view that adds to its character.

From the "chicken town" poem at the beginning to hypocrisy of "Top of the pops" at the end, the film throws convention away and does something different and inspiring.

By no means the best film in the world, but definitely worth a watch. You will like it or you will hate it.

A personal highlight of the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2001, "Strumpet" is a dazzling showcase of DV filmmaking that never undermines the startling narrative, perfectly crafted by Jim Cartwright and realised by Danny Boyle. Christopher Eccleston is amazing! Hurting. Searching. Honest. Carrying the weight of life in "Chicken Town". Not since Four Weddings has the 'F' word been used to such good effect - here it hammers it's way into your psyche, painting a bleak canvas onto which the story unfolds. Anyways, enough already! Uplifting. Revelatory, and after months of rhetoric of how DV will change the world, I've finally seen the future... and it all hangs on a great story and true passion in front of and behind the camera.

This film shouldn't be defined by it's creation on DV. DV or not DV who cares? Good films come from the heart, and communicate some level of truth and experience and this film has plenty all round. Truly essential.

Being familiar with Danny Boyle's filmography, I was surprised to see him such a tame subject matter. A street poet who takes in a stray girl. However, I soon learned there was nothing tame about this film which I saw last night at the Toronto International Film Festival. I cannot get the music out of my head, not because it was particularly good, but because like the film it was daring, original, energetic and truthful.

This film is utterly brilliant, both in its content and the music of the film. Highly reccomend this beautifully made film.