Speaking of James McAvoy though, his recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show to promote said play (which is out tomorrow by the way, at Trafalgar Studios and must be seen by as many as possible) sort of summed up why the rejuvenated play and subsequent film make important viewing. He said; “this play is about aristocracy in the sixties” continuing that it didn’t seem relatable at this time until a member of UKIP said he’d love to go pheasant shooting – which actually happens here. There are undeniable swipes at the utterly depraved and violently patronising rich mentality of some.
Of course, sure enough this cult comedy, that has everything from crucifixion to auto-erotic asphyxiation, opera in the garden, skeletons to a drunken butler, sexy introductions on tricycles, to the best one liner’s ever – The Ruling Class based on an original show by Peter Barnes and later developed by Peter Medak, is a riot and then some. That’s the pithy bits. The orange peel, if you like, that is enticing and enjoyable. Peel it back and you get this juicy pulpy mesh of themes from mental illness to the upper classes. It is the story of Lord Jack Gurney who, after the accidental death of his father, inherits the nobility and estate. The problem is, Jack is a schizophrenic who believes he is Jesus Christ with a scheming family who are trying to make him unravel so they can get their hands on the fortune.
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The Ruling Class is not without its musical moments. In fact, it thrives on them. There is a fun "Varsity Blues" moment where JC (that’s the Jesus persona of Jack) rallies posh women into dancing with him and an operatic falling in love moment. But they are the lighter moments, meant to sucker you into the frivolity and mad-happening antics of JC and his sweet and sensitive nature, preaching a better – if not the best – sermon than those around him. This is not saying that the fun moments aren’t necessary or great. JC is wonderfully enthralling and played humorously by Peter O’Toole, obviously lapping up this moments. The first half rolls like the cult comedy that is promised.
The nature of the scene is alarming because of how easy the fox hunting crowd rally around Jack’s ideas of death for all who show a little skin or speaks out against the monarchy. As an audience, we are totally aware that Jack’s illness has gone to a much darker place. But here, he is speaking volumes to the upper class around him, all of whom, by the way, are clutching whips that they wish to wield against the poor or lower classes. Not too uncommon elements in Parliament that McAvoy has mentioned before, what The Ruling Class does is not only make it absurd, but brings a petrifying light to how some of these people are in control of our country.
I’ve spoken about this film before, I’ll talk about it again and heck, I’ll shove it down your throat the same way I do with Filth. You need to get your hands on it. It’s grippingly theatrical and stunningly thematic. McAvoy is almost certain to excel with this – but Peter O’Toole is terrifyingly perfect as Jack. So much so, his performance garnered him an Academy Award nomination.