I Love You Philip Morris
Genuinely entertaining and based on a true story I Love you Philip Morris see Jim Carrey in one of his most enthusiastic roles. He is truly on top form as he swings effectively between slap stick humour to darker comedy; a style he has finally managed to grasp.
He plays Steven Russell. Happily married to Debbie and working for the local police force, his life is suddenly changed after a car crash causes him to review his life. Realising he is gay, Steven decides to live life to the fullest even it it means by illegal means. His life now revolves around fast cars and fast men but, after committing various types of fraud, he is inevitably sent to prison.
Enter Ewan McGregor. Taking on the role of Philip Morris in one of his more diverse roles, McGregor plays a very convincing homosexual. Sent to prison for the first time Philip meets Steven and they inevitably fall in love. Aafter his release Steven’s sole purpose is to free his boyfriend early. Carey depicts the ingenuity of Russell’s schemes brilliantly, as he uses various disguises and tricks to have Philip freed.
The film deals with issues most comedies shy away from with credit for this going to the leading stars. Ignore and stereotypical ideas you may have about a film about two gay lovers because at times it can be quite serious. Controversy walks hand in hand with this film, particularly when Carrey portrays Russell’s most daring scam: escaping prison by faking his own death from HIV.
Admittedly this is not a film everyone will enjoy. But for those of you who arw Jim Carrey fans his performance does not fail to disappoint. McGregor too is on top form. You will either like it or not with no real room to swing both ways.
