Uncle David [DVD]

This film is wierd, there's no denying that, and is unlike any film I have ever seen. It is a story of two bizaar and difficult to read characters, but that's what makes it so good - you can't guess what's going to happen. There are some moments where you are drawn into sympathizing with the characters, which are turned around in a breath by some throwaway comment. I still can't work out whether the makers' intent was for the audience to feel any empathy for the characters, but I suspect that there may be some element of challenging the audience's ability to do this in there. If you want an example of alienation in film then you should see this.

I once talked about about this film David Hoyle in person. "It was just art for arts sake, really." was what Hoyle said. Meaning that the filmmakers didn't take this project anywhere near as seriously as some viewers did. They were simply creating something off the cuff. I personally found the film to be very amusing in parts, in a dark and random way. But to get deeper about the plot. I see three possible explanations: A) Uncle David does - in spite of obvious personal mental health issues - genuinely believe that Ashley is far too good, simple, vulnerable and beautiful for this cold and cruel world that he will only be taken advantage of and chewed up and spat out and become a dispirited person that he would sooner spare him the ugly truth of survival (and not to mention job interviews, the rat race and begging for mortgages) in this uncaring world by killing him.....with his permission, of course. Or B) That Uncle David was actually a narcissistic brain-washer that has been grooming Ashley all of his life and took advantage of his simple-mindedness and lack of stability to sew his wild oats and control his mind to such a level that the boy (who is actually a 20-something man) allows him to kill him? Or there is option C) which is a mix of both the A) and B) theories which make for an even more complex and disturbing schizophrenic theory. But unfortunately this is all inconsequential as most people won't be open-minded enough to appreciate some of the deeper ideas the film has to offer, as the film's execution is far too raw for most mainstream tastes. Had this film come out 30 years ago, with more money and better execution, then it would have probably had better life. But it goes without saying that 'Uncle David' is a film unlike any other. I think a director's cut is required in order to tighten up some of the film's more clumsy execution and pacing. But it is what it is, and you will either love it or hate it!

Nephew and creepy manipulative uncle spend a holiday in a caravan in the Isle of Sheppey. The motive of their time together soon becomes apparent. This has to be the worst film I have ever seen, and I don't say this lightly. It is a truly skin crawling experience. I am fairly open minded with the incest storyline as any form of sex between two consenting adults is fine by me, though I am not at all convinced that a young, good looking lad can fancy, let alone fall for someone who is about as sexually appealing as a greasy lizard. The suicide plot is offensive and truly disturbing.

I very much enjoyed this highly entertaining and memorable film and the very intelligent script was thought-provoking but also very witty and funny. The relationship between David Hoyle and Ashley Ryder was riveting and the film was ultimately profoundly moving on a truly epic scale making this film the masterpiece that it certainly is. That many aspects of the film were left to the imagination whilst still having an extreme impact on the viewer is a testament to the power and skill of the film-making. The scenes of the beautiful landscapes of the Isle of Sheppey in the film were striking and poignant which added to the brilliant originality of this film. I also loved the additional sketches included on the DVD which were very amusing indeed!

shockingly heaven. Oftimes frighteningly dark and POLARISING (i hate to say, even amongst the avant guarde)... wow and thankyou is all I can say, also, throw yourself into it... i mean REALLY try.... you might even have a road to damascus. a TOTAL eclipse of the heart. Or you may merely know your own nature better and I hope you do xx One of the most understated artistic god/desses of our time but hopefully a false prophet because its all too exciting atm

Ok but also a bit twisted.. and sick! Get up Ahsley we've got a lot to do..... Hmm, not sure I would have got out of bed for these particular activities but my friends an I have kept talking about it for some time.... If you're too tired for a tickle then this won't keep you awake (watch it to see what I'm going on about)

From start to finish this film is a flight of fantasy for the producers and directors of the film. Within five minutes of watching boredom sets in and sleep beckons. A good film for insomniacs who need something to help them sleep. A waste of good money.

This is a really watchable little movie, despite the terrible reviews it has received here, I for one thoroughly enjoyed it. I know I am probably biased in my love for Ashley Ryder but it was wonderful to see him acting and his childlike character in this is fantastically portrayed. David Hoyle is also extremely watchable as Uncle David and the dynamic between the two was electric right from the start. Tragic and disturbing story but with some excellent moments throughout and wonderful cast performances. I will watch this again and again.

Langweilig. Völlig unverständliche Handlung.Was soll daß? Schlechter Ton. Schwer verständliches Englisch. Keine englischen Untertitel verfügbar! Kann ich wirklich nicht empfeholen.