I wasn't really sure what to expect from this film, as I didn't know much about it. I needn't have worried though, as I was soon sucked in, and the film was well under way before it dawned on me.

The opening scene has lonely wife, Gabriella singing along to a gaudy song, that seems to posing the question, why did she have to go and marry Harry? The drunken Harry then stumbles in, and is in no mood for the third degree. This first scene is actually very different from the rest of the film. Where as this and the drunken slanging match that follows, are very fast paced and loud. The subsequent account of Harry's life is rather quiet and slow moving. It's this contrast that gives much of the everyday goings on in his life, a more sinister, out of control edge. You never really get an idea of how far Harry has strayed from reality until the film comes to a head. For most of the film he just seems to be man in search of a peaceful existence. Unfortunately he keeps running into all sorts of obstacles: his work/boss, nosey neighbors, and hitchhiking runaways.

There are a few questions left unanswered at the films, quite surprisingly bloody, and abrupt conclusion , but the tale is told with enough style to make this a worth while view.

My only real gripe with Shattered is, I can't think of anything funny to say about it. The few bits of comedy come with Harry's inability to deal with the women he encounters. At some point in the film each of them gets called a "bitch", but only when they can't hear him. I also found it quite amusing, that like many a stereotypical British 40 something, Harry's source of sanctuary (apart from the booze) is his green house. However, even this is at some point invaded by Lorelei. To the films credit, they even manage to slip in my favorite swear phrase, in the shape of a lorry driver being told to "piss off", who then replies "no you piss off". Class

aka: Something To Hide

Directed: Alastair Reid

Linda Hayden Content:

For fans of the seductive side to Miss Hayden, this will probably be a bit of a shock. She plays a scruffy, pregnant, teenage runaway. Who chain smokes, slobs around, and is quite frankly a pain in the arse. Latching on to the already unstable Harry, she gets a lift, forces her way into his house, and eventually even ejects him from his own bed. An unlikeable character Lorelei may be, but it show cases a very good bit of acting by Linda Hayden. Refreshingly different than the temptress roles she had mostly been playing up until now. There is no sexual attraction between Lorelei, and Harry. Which makes their relationship all the more interesting. The only reason he doesn't chuck her out of his house, is he isn't mentally strong enough to cope with the situation. It's easier for him to go along with her staying there, than actually make her go. Once the baby is born we even see a fatherly side to Harry, a part that was so obviously absent in his marriage. I'm still not sure what becomes of Linda's character, by the films conclusion. She either ends up a hapless victim, or a very evil young lady. I'll watch it again soon, and make up my mind then.

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