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Product Description
The award-winning drama Stuart A Life Backwards details the remarkable friendship between a reclusive writer and illustrator (Alexander played by Benedict Cumberbatch) and a chaotic homeless man (Stuart played by BAFTA Award nominated Tom Hardy), whom he gets to know during a campaign to release two charity workers from prison. As Alexander learns more about Stuart s complicated life and traumatic childhood, he asks if he can write his story and Stuart advises him to write the story backwards, so that it s more exciting like a Tom Clancy murder-mystery . As their remarkable alliance develops, Stuart gradually recounts his life story in reverse, his resilient personality and dry sense of humour giving the story an almost tragi-comic edge. Through post-office heists, attempts at suicide and spells inside various institutions, Alexander is given a glimpse into a totally alien world and begins to understand how Stuart s life spiralled so badly out of control. SPECIAL FEATURES Cast Interviews and Behind-The-Scenes Footage
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), WIDESCREEN, SPECIAL FEATURES: Behind the scenes, Cast/Crew Interview(s), Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: The award-winning drama Stuart A Life Backwards details the friendship between a reclusive writer and illustrator (Alexander) and a chaotic homeless man (Stuart), whom he gets to know during a campaign to release two charity workers from prison.As Alexander learns more about Stuart's complicated life and traumatic childhood, he asks if he can write his story and Stuart advises him to write the story backwards, so that it's "more exciting - like a Tom Clancy murder-mystery". As their remarkable alliance develops, Stuart gradually recounts his life story in reverse, his resilient personality and dry sense of humour giving the story an almost tragi-comic edge. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...Stuart: A Life Backwards
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This made me angry, sad, happy, humble. What more do you want in a film, i loved this so much, i went and brought the book, i am awaiting it,s arrival.Tom Hardy should get the recongnition he deserves he is ONE brilliant actor. Hats off to you sir,
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The performance by Tom Hardy of Stuart was absolutely outstanding. I read the book first, and was amazed at how Hardy brought Stuart to life with his incredible acting . A great talent to watch out for in the future.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Every now and then, the BBC produce a drama so breath-haltingly wonderful, it makes you want to trot off to Television Centre and press every single exorbitant pound of license fee money straight into the hands of the TV execs who gave it the go ahead.
The man at the centre of this drama, Stuart Clive Shorter, was it seems, a 'convict curry' of contradictions; By turns, gentle yet violent, intelligent yet credulous, polite yet terrifying, innocent yet street savvy - riding the tidal wave of his personality with a strange kind of grace and sharp humour.
Shunted around like a hockey puck from institution to institution and beset by abuse, disability and addiction from childhood, our introduction to the 33 year old Stuart begins when he parks himself in a Cambridge drop in centre and wins over writer Alexander Masters with his perculiarly acute worldview.
Stuart and Alexander become unlikely allies in campaigning against the unjust imprisonment of two out-reach workers, jailed when a homeless centre they ran was raided by Police.
Long hours and long journeys lead to long conversations, as Alexander decides to 'staple Stuart to the page' - writing, at Stuart's invitation, a 'murder mystery'. Starting - Columbo style - with the victim, and guiding the viewer slowly through the horrific crimes which led to the maiming of the man, and the killing of the boy.
Director David Attwood has previously taken viewers on a visceral voyage through Edwardian seas in 'To The Ends of The Earth', and again, does not flinch from the difficult subject matter contained in Stuart's story.
Attwood's use of black and white cartoon sequences to illustrate the darker aspects of Stuart's life is an ingenious device, giving light relief while still underlining the theme of childhood lost. Stuart's endearing attempts to cook the most unpalatable food ever eaten rival even Baldrick's finest culinary efforts, and add a splash of welcome gallows humour.
Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch, (as Stuart and Alexander respectively), pull of a masterclass in understated brilliance. Through their performances, this technicolour story is allowed to breathe freely, and like Stuart, it sneaks up slowly and grabs you by the heart.
'Stuart- A Life Backwards' remains a fittingly mad, sad, joyous and chaotic tribute to a man who, like a sort of skewed David Copperfield, was the hero of his own life. It's a one-off - Much like the man himself.
The man at the centre of this drama, Stuart Clive Shorter, was it seems, a 'convict curry' of contradictions; By turns, gentle yet violent, intelligent yet credulous, polite yet terrifying, innocent yet street savvy - riding the tidal wave of his personality with a strange kind of grace and sharp humour.
Shunted around like a hockey puck from institution to institution and beset by abuse, disability and addiction from childhood, our introduction to the 33 year old Stuart begins when he parks himself in a Cambridge drop in centre and wins over writer Alexander Masters with his perculiarly acute worldview.
Stuart and Alexander become unlikely allies in campaigning against the unjust imprisonment of two out-reach workers, jailed when a homeless centre they ran was raided by Police.
Long hours and long journeys lead to long conversations, as Alexander decides to 'staple Stuart to the page' - writing, at Stuart's invitation, a 'murder mystery'. Starting - Columbo style - with the victim, and guiding the viewer slowly through the horrific crimes which led to the maiming of the man, and the killing of the boy.
Director David Attwood has previously taken viewers on a visceral voyage through Edwardian seas in 'To The Ends of The Earth', and again, does not flinch from the difficult subject matter contained in Stuart's story.
Attwood's use of black and white cartoon sequences to illustrate the darker aspects of Stuart's life is an ingenious device, giving light relief while still underlining the theme of childhood lost. Stuart's endearing attempts to cook the most unpalatable food ever eaten rival even Baldrick's finest culinary efforts, and add a splash of welcome gallows humour.
Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch, (as Stuart and Alexander respectively), pull of a masterclass in understated brilliance. Through their performances, this technicolour story is allowed to breathe freely, and like Stuart, it sneaks up slowly and grabs you by the heart.
'Stuart- A Life Backwards' remains a fittingly mad, sad, joyous and chaotic tribute to a man who, like a sort of skewed David Copperfield, was the hero of his own life. It's a one-off - Much like the man himself.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Tom Hardy - star quality
I ordered this film purely on the grounds that both Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch were in it. Living in Australia, I knew nothing about the story at all. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Lizzie V
Stuart a Life Backwards
I hadn't read the book so I didn't really know what to expect. It's absolutely amazing! It's funny, frightening, awkward, sensitive, engaging & very enjoyable. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Suzanne Naughton
Stuart a life backwards
I have never written a review on anything before! But this film is truly BRILLIANT......The story of Stuart is both sad,shocking,yet told with humor. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Neadine
A very different view of the world
This film is based on the best-selling book. Its stars give wonderful performances. It's life at the grittiest in contemporary Britain, yet "Stuart" is wise and funny as well. Read more
Published 3 months ago by L. B. Miller
Conflicted
I do feel a little conflicted about this film. Benedict Cumberbatch's performance is very impressive and, to me, felt more real. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Kelly A19
Superb Film and Performances
What can I say? This is a gem of a film! I bought the DVD on a whim, well on the strength of being a big fan of Tom Hardy as I've been watching most of his films and wanted to... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Sammie76
stuart a life backwards
Tom Hardy at his best yet again what a excellent film that draws you in from the start to finish. compelling emotional,funny,and a bloody great watch.
Published 6 months ago by caz
Rest in peace, Stuart.
It was fantastic to know Stuart's life through the eyes of Alexander. I liked the process that they get to know each other through interview and campaign activity. Read more
Published 8 months ago by yuki
Moving & funny - but unfortunately no subtitles
A really wonderful movie, pretty much everything fits perfectly: casting and acting (Tom Hardy's performance is just amazing, and Benedict Cumberbatch manages perfectly not to be... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Nanny Ogg
Stuart A Life Backwards DVD
If you've read the book this is a real 'Must See'. If you haven't read the book I suggest you do!
Published 8 months ago by Jonkers
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