The only cure for heartache is a new lover!
Rating: 6/10
Running Time: 85 minutes
UK Certificate: 15
If Goldfish Memory could be written down as some form of clumsy mathematical equation, it would probably be something along the lines of Love Actually, plus confused sexuality, minus the need for a puke bag.nnIts the first feature-length film to have been both written and helmed by Dublin-based director Liz Gill and, like the afore-mentioned Richard Curtis puke-fest, its a series of snapshot looks at the love (or lust?) lives of a group of people who are all in some way linked together whether they know about it or not.
Theres Tom (Sean Campion), a Uni prof who in the throws of a mid-life crisis – cheats on girlfriend Clara (Fiona) with student Isolde (Fiona Glascott). So Clara decides to experiment with a bit of good ol fashioned bisexuality and starts snogging TV news journo Angie (Fiona Montgomery). Meanwhile, Fionas gay pal Red (Keith McErlean) is in the process of luring barman David (Peter Gaynor) away from unsuspecting girlfriend Rosie (Lisa Hearns). I do hope youre taking all of this in, because Im going to be asking questions later.
Despite the sexy subject matter, its not exactly the sparkiest of films, with most of the humour fairly watered-down in tone. Its also a little hard to believe that all of these inter-connected people keep bumping into and often pulling each other. At times its almost as if were expected to think Dublin has a population of roughly seven when, unless Im hugely mistaken, thats not the case at all.nnIt has to be said, though, that by-and-large I found Goldfish Memory quite enjoyable. Particularly amusing is when Toms dejection at losing out in love is shown by having him look and act increasingly like a homeless – stubble, messed up hair, creased clothes and all. You half-expect him to pop up in the next scene clutching a vodka bottle in a brown paper bag and wearing only one shoe. To be honest, Toms a little bit arsy but most of the rest of the characters are likable enough, and there are competent performances all-round from the cast. If I had to pick out one as most likely to pop up a lot more in the future, Id have to go for the sassy stand-out OShaughnessy. Indeed, if the press bumf is anything to go by, shes soon to appear alongside Joseph Fiennes in Man to Man (apparently about people who hunt pygmies!!).
It's Got: An incredible amount of fish-based symbolism Jeez, even the directors surname is Gill!!
It Needs: To clarify whether or not Dublin has only one taxi driver the same guy turns up on at least three separate occasions! Mind you, for a population of seven that probably just about does the trick
Summary
Dead goldfish generally get flushed down the toilet. Dont do that with this film, though it deserves much better. And youd probably have to call a plumber afterwards.