Restless Natives

Michael Hoffman, UK, 1985, 86 minutes

Ronnie works in a tiny Edinburgh joke shop. He gets thumped by his customers' aggrieved mothers. Will sweeps the streets for the council. People kick over his tidy leafpiles and there's always more rubbish tomorrow.

Disillusioned, and seeking liberation, the bitter pair resort to highway robbery (thus proving they have Initiative, where it Counts) masked as clown and wolfman. Initial success brings its own problems as their alter egos gain notoriety and they dare not spend their illicit proceeds.

Restless Natives is an enjoyable cranky ride with a quick wave to Bill Forsyth as it speeds past. Critics disliked it, but director Michael Hoffmann has given the film its own quirks and a wealth of nice touches along the way. When you're not watching the Highland countryside unfold or spotting locations in Edinburgh (expect a few whispers of "Look! That's xxxxx Street!") you can be watching for the multitude of cameos by other famous sorts or thrilling to the vibrant rock sound of Big Country as it echoes down from the hills.

Ultimately, this is the kind of comedy which, if it flicks your switches, will have you continually chortliing without quickfire punchlines, and the kind of comedy you can view again and again without appreciating any less. Restless Natives is a quiet classic. Anyone like to start a cult?

Review by Gavin Inglis
Taken from EUFS Programme 1992-93