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The spoof documentary has long been a source of television comedy, but few series can claim to have hit the target as accurately as the BBC's People Like Us. The six episodes of the first series offer moment after moment of well observed, thoughtful and hilarious humour. Taking the fly-on-the-wall documentary genre as its inspiration, it focuses on the everyday lives of a range of different people: businessman, teacher, policeman, photographer, estate agent and solicitor. The comedy walks the line between the observational and the absurd (much of the dialogue is similar to that used in The Day Today) but mixes the two to perfection.
The man behind the camera is the hapless Roy Mallard, played by Chris Langham, but he is seldom seen. It was the type of role that Langham was to reprise in the film The Big Tease but for now, People Like Us remains his finest hour. Have fun also spotting the number of actors who would go onto greater things in the likes of Smack the Pony and Rescue Me. --Phil Udell
Special Features
English
Region 2
Region 2
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Chris Langham is an understated comedy genius in this series of documentary spoofs. He manages to create a character of depth out of his hapless, largely unseen interviewer which is brilliantly brought out by his subjects. The photographer episode is my firm favourite with Bill Nighy as the fragile ego'd title role. Just buy it if you love things like 'The Day Today' or 'Human Remains' for a classic british comedy full of the self deprecating humour us Brits are masters of.
BUT WHERE,BBC, IS THE SECOND SERIES DVD. Sadly overdue methinks.
BUT WHERE,BBC, IS THE SECOND SERIES DVD. Sadly overdue methinks.
40 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
People Like Us follows inept reporter Roy Mallard (Chris Langham) as he explores a different job in each episode. In this, the first season, he visits the manager of a large company, a real estate agent, a police officer, a school master, a photographer, and a lawyer. Written by John Morton and based on the BBC Radio show, People Like Us is a perfect example of how television *should* be. The scripts are superb, John Morton weaves an unbelievable number of jokes throughout the show (pay particular attention to Roy's narration). A good script alone doesn't make a great show, but luckly for People Like Us, it's also blessed with wonderful actors. Chris Langham (Kiss Me Kate), the show's only recurring character, fits the role of Roy Mallard perfectly. The actors who portray Roy's subjects, or should that be victims, are of the highest quality. Look for future stars such as Sarah Alexander (Coupling). This first series of People Like Us- while not a huge hit- won much critic acclaim. The show only got better with the second series, but sadly it looks as if there won't be a third. I heard rumors that Morton wrote a third series which took place in America, but the BBC turned down the show. Buy this DVD, you won't regret it, and maybe the sales of the DVD will send a message to the BBC -We want more People Like Us.
33 of 36 people found the following review helpful
This is really one of the gems of the new style "subtle" comedy of recent years.
The 'fake documentary' format is of a much higher quality than other programmes (such as 'The Office'), and extends to the point that it was advertised and announced as a serious documentary, with the actors and actresses not credited as such. (Their names appear merely in a "With thanks to..." during the ending titles.)
This concept coupled with the typical eighties style theme music and "always unseen" presenter makes for an interesting gimmick, but not necessarily for an interesting programme. Amazingly, however, it is John Morton's script and directing which turns the series from a great idea to a fantastically high quality programme.
With the transfer to television from the radio series Morton has managed to utilise the visual medium to its advantage, most famously with the shyness of the presenter, Roy Mallard (played perfectly by Chris Langham), him not appearing on the camera at all, with only glimpses of his hand and the odd reflection in a window.
But it's not just Chris Langham who is good; *all* of the cast are absolutely excellent, especially as each episode features all new characters, with nearly all of the actors being unknowns. (Though admittedly since being in 'PLU' many, such as Sarah Alexander, are pretty well recognised!)
Think I've rambled on far too much, but the last note should be about the rewatchability of the series. The jokes are spread so thickly and yet discreetly that you can be watching an episode for the fifth time and notice a joke you hadn't spotted before ever, usually because you were laughing so hard from the previous line! Well, happens in my case, anyway.
Oh, forgot to say the sort of subject matter. Okay, one line: Roy Mallard plus cameraman following person or company around for a day in each episode (think Louis Theroux here), everything usually goes to pot, though in fairness that is often more the fault of the interviewed rather than Roy himself.
You've read to the end of this review? Wow...I wouldn't have.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Enduringly funny
Although now over ten years old, these 30 minute comedy shows are still well worth watching. Pre-dating The Office format in their use of the pretend fly-on-the-wall conceit, each... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. J. G. Lingham
Brilliantly funny
I don't know why these are not regarded as one of the all time greats of television comedy. Each episode usually contains at least one well meaning but incompetent person, who... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mr. K. H. Cobb
So clever
A wonderfully observed comedy series, where a single word or the tone of voice used, can be utterly hilarious. Brilliantly observed, written and performed. Read more
Published 10 months ago by C. Lee
Comic Genius
Great mocumentary. A must for spoof fans or fans of the Office.
Example:
Interviewer: How long have you worked here?
Worker: About 16 years. Read more
Example:
Interviewer: How long have you worked here?
Worker: About 16 years. Read more
Published on 1 May 2009 by A. Alves-Areias
Really funny
I keep finding more jokes in it, although the running joke about "are you REALLY married" doesn't work so well given Chris Langham's recent court case. Read more
Published on 1 Feb 2009 by Steve in Surrey
Top notch
If you enjoy a good mockumentary, I warmly recommend People Like Us. It is hilarious, perhaps second only to Spinal Tap itself. Read more
Published on 14 May 2008 by Eolake
chris langham
I fear series 2 or this wont see a rerelease because of Chris Langhams alleged charges. Which i think are utterly ridiculous but he has effectivelyt had his life ruined by people... Read more
Published on 26 July 2007 by Mr. A. Thompson
Brilliantly funny, memorable and watchable
I watched this series on television years ago and never forgot it so decided to buy it and really wasn't disappointed in the slightest! Read more
Published on 19 Aug 2006 by P. Maltby
Where's series two???
This is one of my favorite comedy series of all time. But why haven't they released series two???
Published on 21 Jun 2006 by Brad Frank
Langham is a genius!
If you didn't catch this when it first aired on the BBC you missed a real treat! These days it seems impossible to escape the endless barrage of reality and fly on the wall... Read more
Published on 26 Jan 2006 by David
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