Consuming Passions

Consuming Passions, released in 1988, is a black humor and satirical British film directed by Giles Foster and written by Michael Palin and Terry Jones. The film is an adaptation of a stage play written by the same duo of Monty Python fame. The film brings together a trio of familiar faces from British cinema – Jonathan Pryce, Vanessa Redgrave, and Tyler Butterworth – to create an outrageous commentary on corporate greed and consumerism.

The plot of Consuming Passions revolves around the operations of a chocolate factory, Chumley's Chocolates, struggling with poor sales, faltering machines, and beleaguered staff. Tyler Butterworth plays the role of Ian Littleton, a naive and well-intentioned junior executive thrown into a world of corporate sharks. In an attempt to rectify an escalating problem in the factory, Littleton inadvertently causes a catastrophic accident, setting off a chain of events that creates a sinister wave of hilarity and horror.

Jonathan Pryce excels in the role of Mr. Farris, the factory’s unscrupulous, ruthless managing director, whose only concern appears to be saving his factory and maintaining his lifestyle, even at the expense of others. The ever-potent Vanessa Redgrave shines as Felicity, a marketing expert brought in to save the company’s public image and boost sales. Felicity is a character of eccentric sophistication, with her own unique approach to resolving the crisis that adds a delightful twist to the narrative.

Throughout the film, the narrative marries humor with a biting critique of marketing tactics and consumer susceptibility, presenting the audience with a satirical examination of gluttony and greed synonymous with corporate culture. Yet, the narrative never loses its inherent absurdity, skilfully balancing its social commentary with a theatrical farce on the British working class.

Consuming Passions showcases an ensemble of fascinatingly grotesque characters transported from a workaday factory environment into a nonsense world that accentuates their oddities and personal quirks. The acting is top-notch, with each character being perfectly cast to bring out the intense absurdity of the situation, making you laugh, cringe, and gasp in equal measures.

The comedic moments that make up Consuming Passions are not for the faint-hearted as the film blends elements of slapstick comedy, tragicomedy, and horror. Darkly hilarious occurrences unfold in quick succession, with many scenes offering biting satire that makes you gasp and laugh in equal measures. Foster's direction effectively highlights the harsh yet humorous implications of the film's morbid subject matter, using irony and wit to sneak in stinging jabs at unchecked industrial malpractices and unethical, profit-driven strategies.

Foster's decision to base the film around a failing chocolate factory is also particularly intriguing as it allows for an exploration of the literal 'consumption' by consumers and metaphorical 'consumption' portrayed by the management's willingness to sacrifice everything for financial gain. The name 'Consuming Passions' perfectly encapsulates the central theme of the film and the far-reaching implications of society's insatiable appetite for more.

In conclusion, Consuming Passions is an outlandishly funny satirical lampoon that tackles serious social concerns with humor and insight. The combination of the film's dark theme with its eccentric comedic moments results in a deliciously absurd socio-critical commentary that is as entertaining as it is alarming. It might be a hard pill (or indeed a chocolate) to swallow, but its taste is addictive and its aftertaste thought-provoking. With stellar performances from Jonathan Pryce, Vanessa Redgrave, and Tyler Butterworth, Consuming Passions serves as a standout film from the British cinema in the late 80s and remains an engaging watch to this day.

If you are a fan of British humor, fascinated by social commentary or enjoy quirky, unorthodox stories, Consuming Passions is a film that should not be overlooked. Viewers can savor the eccentricity, wry social commentary, and outrageous plot every bit as the characters in the film enjoy their chocolates. A feast of dark comedy, Consuming Passions offers a lively spectacle that proves satire can be as enjoyable as it is purposeful.