A Day in the Death of Joe Egg

good movie

Intense drama feels hokey and dated at times for its initial awkwardness about its thesis on the euthanasia debate, but becomes genuinely moving in its second half, when the theme comes to the fore. 'Arty' flourishes are extremely variable (the beach scene is superbly chilling in both its unusual sound and editing, whereas the inconclusive finale is a real let-down). Bates and Suzman however (as a 'George and Martha'-lite) are consistently incredible, and the entire cast acquits itself nicely.

Inspite of a boisterous performances by Bates, this falls very fucking flat due to it's theatrical foundations in a play that just wasn't that good to begin with. A bit like "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" but without the venomous bite of that plays dialogue and with an absurdist bent that just distracts rather than enhances.

Great performances and a solid script make this deliciously dark dramedy well worth watching.