Chasing Robert Barker - East End Film Festival 2016

This international production directed by Daniel Florenico follows David Pillard, a once talented photographer, now broken down paparazzi, as he himself chases a tabloid story. Before the film ends, David will find something quite different from what he was initially looking for.

Gudmundur Thorvaldsson is grippingly believable as the grieving and ailing photographer, as is Patrick Baladi who plays Olly, a classic London cad and David’s partner in tabloid crime.

Chasing Robert Barker - Trailer from i made it films on Vimeo.

Though the tabloid world was an intriguing one to finally observe, the plot itself failed to fully satisfy, especially as the real story didn’t really seem to emerge until the very end of the first hour.

This was probably due to a few subplots involving characters which often felt two dimensional (and no compelling female character aside from David’s ex-wife who never appears)... Or possibly because the world that inspired the film isn’t a rich enough one for a commanding narrative? Finally, after a more engaging third act, the finale felt almost anti-climatic, even if it raised interesting questions.

2/5

Chasing Robert Barker is screened as part of the East End Film Festival, at Rich Mix on 24 June. More info here.