Set in London, this is an anarchic satire on the consumerist yuppiedom of the Thatcherite 1980s. Written by and featuring the cast of The Comic Strip series, the film could be a Who's Who of the 1980s UK show business. All credit to them for getting people such as Paul McCartney, Bill Wyman and Koo Stark and Motorhead who contribute much of the soundtrack.
Director Peter Richardson creates the restaurant (the IMDb does not permit me to mention its name) in which much of the action takes place and the feasting of the patrons and their behaviour as they stuff their faces is a metaphor for the excesses of the 1980s but the film does show the ugliness of all levels of society.
The film is a bit uneven in its pacing but maybe this was intentional as the frenetic pace of the city is offset by a rather pedestrian pace when the location changes to the countryside. Overall though, the film is of its time and with the screen filled with celebrities of those days, some forgotten, some who made it big, this film deserves repeated viewing, even if it is only to play spot the celebrity.
Eat the Rich
1987
Action / Comedy / Crime
Eat the Rich
1987
Action / Comedy / Crime
Plot summary
Alex (Al Pillay) is a disgruntled server at a snobby exclusive restaurant who falls on hard times. Forced to deal with the contempt and disgust of the upper class, Alex and cohorts attempt to go on a rampage. Meanwhile, General Karpov (Dave Beard) and Spider (Lemmy) plot to involve the inept anarchists in their plans to derail the Prime-Minister-to-be's campaign.
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Spot the celebrity
Not literally ... right?
Maybe it's me, but this does not seem to have aged that well on many levels. On the other hand including a legend like Lemmy in the movie is always a smart move. Even if I wouldn't even dare call myself a fan (considering so many others who are in love with him and know way more things about him - like the fact that he is in this movie, I only discovered it while watching).
And then there is the really good and cool soundtrack. I reckon if you cut this some slack, pacing wise and again the age things, you might find it more attractive than others. Also if you're a big fan of Lemmy. Do you and be sure you're aware what you let yourself into.
"You're all eating the prime mister".
"The Comic Strip Presents..." a lively, rowdy and bawdy cult black comedy gourmet with a novel one-joke premise like something John Watter's would churn out. Even that of Alex Cox's chaotic "Straight to Hell" shot to mind. This amusing oddball independent British feature kicks you in the guts with its heavy-handed approach from its acting to its dialogues and prominent surrealistic visual styling. No one is safe from the insults. It's sick and twisted with real ugly streak, but quite enjoyable as its anarchic messages are just so knee-jerk, the clever humour can be sneaky in its jabs and its episodically loose writing is just so random with its comic shocks. Interesting to see some familiar faces (Angie Bowie, Bill Wyman, Miranda Richardson and Paul McCartney) popping up with the likes of "The Comic Strip" being involved along with Motorhead contributing to the frenetic rock soundtrack. Even the bassist / singer Lemmy gets a part in the film. Al Pillay and Nosher Powell (looking great in green business suits) are the two who steal the limelight with their electric performances, one deadpan while the other maniac in delivery. Bombastic fun!
"Here have a toffee".