Eat the Rich

Eat the Rich is a British black comedy film written and directed by Peter Richardson. It was released in 1987 and starred Nosher Powell, Al Pillay, and Kevin Allen. The film features several personas from the comedy group “The Comic Strip”. The film combines tropes from social, political, and satirical genres resulting in a dark, humorous critique of the English society of the late 1980s.

Eat the Rich centers on the story of Alex (played by Lanah Pellay), a disgruntled waiter at Bastards, an upmarket French restaurant in London. Alex becomes disillusioned with a society where the rich seemingly live life with impunity, feasting and partying, while the majority strive merely to survive. After getting fired due to the whims of a corrupt and privileged customer, Alex plots revenge against the establishment, symbolized predominantly by the clientele of the restaurant. From another angle, the movie looks at the decaying morals of society, where the rich and powerful manipulate systems to their benefit while the less fortunate suffer the consequences.

The narrative progresses with Alex embarking on a journey meeting various characters who contribute to the sharpening of his rebellious stance against the ruling class. Among these is Nosher Powell, a former heavyweight boxer turned actor, who portrays a virile government agent. Kevin Allen adds another layer to the film with his portrayal of a hopeful yet helpless individual trying to navigate the chaotic, unjust world.

In the midst of Alex's encounters and experiences, the plot escalates, culminating in a grand plan aimed at society's elite. Eat The Rich is nothing short of a political satire with its storyline unfolding in a series of comic gags, darting jabs at Britain's sociopolitical scene during the era, alongside sending up everything from terrorism to the royal family.

The title 'Eat the Rich' metaphorically underlines the film's irreverent, anti-elite premise. Beyond its comedic undertones, the film delivers a biting critique of social inequality and the widening gap between classes, intertwining this with a narrative that employs both slapstick humor and acerbic wit. Whether it’s catching a glimpse of depraved aristocrats or inept secret service operations, the movie features an array of ludicrous situations that encapsulate the outrageousness of the society dynamics it depicts.

The film's multi-character cast delivers a collective performance that contributes to the film’s satire. Al Pillay, a drag performer and singer, shines as the determined, androgynous Alex, who takes us through the journey from disenfranchisement to rebellion. Nosher Powell portrays the role of Commander Fortune, a government agent, with an uncanny mix of fierceness and futile bravado. Kevin Allen’s character presents another facet, capturing the essence of a man caught in a world he can barely comprehend.

The film hits the mark with its soundtrack as well. The iconic Motörhead, with their brand of heavy metal and punk fueles the rebellious spirit of the film. Lead singer Lemmy also makes a couple of cameo appearances in the film, adding to the overall punk aura.

Peter Richardson's directorial style in 'Eat the Rich', thrives on provocation and absurdity, akin to his other works with 'The Comic Strip'. The movie uses a panoramic lens to scrutinize British society, taking on bureaucracy, class division, and political corruption. Albeit farcical at times, 'Eat the Rich' successfully portrays a world where the rules of justice seem to only work for the privileged, offering viewers a dark yet comically entertaining cinematic experience.

In summary, Eat The Rich is an all-out comedic takedown of societal privilege and class divides, presented with a punk rock backdrop. It employs biting satire and outrageous comedy to interrogate Britain's societal and political status, taking no prisoners in its skewering of the upper class and the institutions that serve them. Therefore, if you're a fan of dark humor, political satire, or punk aesthetics, this film would certainly be one to explore.