Few authors have as instantly distinctive a style as Chuck Palahniuk: simply look for the most convoluted, scathingly hilarious, disturbingly filthy and twisted narratives which somehow prove revelatory of strikingly genuine nuggets of human nature, usually the ones we would rather keep hidden. Perhaps for this reason, with the exception of his enormous cult hit Fight Club, Palahniuk's work has seldom been adapted for the big screen, with movie executives likely preferring to work with plots which they can be sure their viewers will understand, and not result in heart attacks from either repulsion or outrage. As such, writer/director Clark Gregg's adaptation of Palahniuk's Choke is a daring move - after all, how often does one see the tale of a sardonic sex-addict playing on the sympathies of those who save him from choking to death in restaurants to pay for his mother's hospital bills gracing the marquees? And yet, as surprising as it may seem, for all of the caustically humorous overtones, at the heart of Choke lies a surprisingly tender and fascinatingly complex character study, brimming with humanity and pathos... and yes, loads of gratuitous sex on the side.

Those expecting more along the lines of Fight Club's nihilistic social commentary and brutal violence may find themselves disappointed, as Choke's sordid portrait of a man so used to mindlessly numbing his pain coming to terms with his flaws and potential for good almost by accident proves a far more sympathetic look, albeit one with graphic and perverse sexual content. That being said, writer/director Gregg's screenplay is a razor sharp medley of slashing Palahniuk wit and biting one-liners as well as surprisingly poignant character revelations, blending an increasingly eclectic myriad of events into an impressively concise (the film runs only 89 minutes) yet still cohesive storyline. If a flaw is to be found, it lies in the film's ending, which flirts which but mercifully avoids succumbing to convention and provides what may be one plot twist too many, making the finale somewhat unnecessarily cluttered (and yet strangely fitting) but in such an impressively unique work, such minute concerns are easily forgiven.

One of the film's many blessings is the casting of the supremely talented Sam Rockwell as Victor Mancini, the sort of lead role he is far too often deprived of. It is a testament to Rockwell's immense skill and charisma that he manages not only to sympathize a character who ultimately sets out to make himself dislikeable but also evokes both hilarity and pathos in the least likely places, delivering one of the most remarkable performances in recent memory. Similarly, Angelica Huston is incendiary as Mancini's mother (in flashbacks shown to be an even less stable parent before her dementia) and her interactions with her son prove surprisingly poignant and emotionally wrenching. The tremendously likable Brad William Henke raises many a laugh as Mancini's similarly sex-addicted best friend, and Kelly Macdonald gives a quirky but charming performance as the doctor who may, despite Mancini's best efforts, end up being a love interest. Director Gregg has a hilarious supporting role as the earnest head of Victor's collonial historical interpreter site, and Jonah Bobo proves a rising talent to watch as Victor's childhood self.

Darkly hilarious, sublimely subversive and yet hiding surprising pathos and heart, Choke proves one of the most offbeat films of the year, and is all the more entertaining for it. While the film is without question not for everyone, those willing to stomach the acerbic and often disturbing humour and hefty sexual content may discover one of the most darkly enjoyable movie experiences of quite some time.

-9/10

Victor Mancini (Sam Rockwell) is a sex addict trying to recover and failing. He's in a group with Nico (Paz de la Huerta) and best friend Denny (Brad William Henke). He works at a colonial theme park with Denny, arrogant Lord High Charlie (Clark Gregg),and sexy Ursula the milkmaid (Bijou Phillips). He pretends to choke on food to scam his saviors. His grifter mother Ida (Anjelica Huston) is in long term care with Paige Marshall (Kelly Macdonald) as her new doctor. Beth (Gillian Jacobs) is stripper Cherry Daiquiri. Marshall suggests an illegal treatment which requires an unusual donation from Victor.

This is based on Chuck Palahniuk's book who also wrote Fight Club. Clark Gregg adapted it and is the director. I really love Rockwell and his weird manic energy. The story is a little weird and takes some strange turns. It does lose me after a couple of turns. It's weird but it doesn't get to be wacky fun. I don't think Clark Gregg has a hold of a compelling consistent tone.

And when I say touching, I mean it (and no pun is intended). A movie about a sex-addict who can be all that, is pretty good in my book. I won't go into story details (I actually didn't know anything about the movie, except it's title of course).

It's a funny quirky comedy, that also works as a (light) drama about addiction in general, about life and about so many other things. Sam Rockwel is great as always, but he has an awesome supporting cast. Even the director plays a small part (you might know him from other movies, as an actor). It's based on a book (which I haven't read),but it seems to be a really good one. And a book some might call "un-filmable"! I can only recommend it to anyone, who likes small budget movies, that actually have a unique story to tell!