Curtain-twitchers. Jean and Harold Peach (Bailey and Tomlinson) keep an eye on the new couple next door...
Harold and Jean Peach (Tomlinson and Bailey) are devastated when their neighbours move to Australia. So they're naturally fascinated by the new occupants next door--the shifty and rude Robert and Ellen Chapman (Daniels and Fielding). But it doesn't take long before their new relationship descends into all-out war as Harold's job and Jean's mind begin to crumble.
Isitt uses black and white documentary inserts to frame the story, which is told with flashy camera work and editing, obvious song choices and garish comedy set design (everything seems drenched in cherry red). And while there are some intriguing themes gurgling under the surface--curtain-twitching curiosity, dead-end careers, community conflicts--none of it is touched upon with any insight or humour at all. The actors do their best with the cartoonish, wacky characters, but we never sympathise with anyone--they're all far too obnoxious and stupid. After awhile Isitt seems desperate to make us care about these selfish, twisted people ... but it's far too late for that. And then it gets worse. Unless you can laugh at pathetic losers, the film has no point at all. Excruciating.
[15--adult themes and situations, language, violence] 17.Oct.00
UK release 20.Oct.00
