Saturday February 16th                       Hallam Foe                  15 certificate 95 mins

UK, 2007              Directed by David Mackenzie      Starring Jamie Bell, Sophia Myles

Jamie Bell finally shrugs off the ghost of Billy Elliott in this darkly comic and idiosyncratic love story.

Hallam is a troubled youth. Lonely and isolated, he is mourning the death of his much loved mother, who died under suspicious circumstances. He suspects the involvement of his hated step mother. His particular passion – or perhaps outlet is the more appropriate word - is voyeurism, often cloaked in bizarre ritual.
After a, shall we say, awkward episode with Dad’s new bride, Hallam flees to Edinburgh, and by chance spies a beautiful young woman in the street, a dead ringer for Mum. He stalks her, following her to her work in HR at a city hotel, and talks his way into a job as a kitchen porter to be near her as much as possible. Initially too timid to pursue a regular relationship, the homeless Hallam scales the Edinburgh rooftops by night to watch her and her married lover through the bedroom window.

A blend of mystery, quirky romance, disturbed youth, and occasional farce, Hallam Foe is unique. It is also unexpectedly funny, and a heartbreakingly touching story about healing and moving on. Bell is a revelation in the title role, showing us a man at once disturbed and more than a little disturbing, but also winning and charming. With atmospheric visuals and a great soundtrack, Hallam Foe is an indie treat from this unique Scottish director.

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