Friends and Crocodiles

Friends and Crocodiles, a captivating British drama, is a compelling exploration of the chaotic and unpredictable relationship between two protagonists - Paul Reynolds, a visionary entrepreneur with a love for literature, art and anarchy, and Lizzie Thomas, his assistant turned successful businesswoman. The movie, expertly directed by Stephen Poliakoff, is set in England spanning over two decades from the exuberant 80's to the pragmatic 2000’s. It stars Damian Lewis as Paul and Jodhi May as Lizzie, ensuring an engrossing watch for audiences with their admirable on-screen chemistry.

The narrative centers around Paul, a profoundly unique and chaotic character who possesses the resources to bring to life his grand visions. However, his eccentricities and lack of organization often result in utter confusion within his worker commune. Enter Lizzie Thomas, characterized as a dedicated, hardworking, and pragmatic woman who initially appears as Paul’s ideal foil. Tasked with bringing order to the organized chaos that is Paul's life, Lizzie plunges into the whirlwind of Paul’s creative energy and endeavors to create a balance.

The film skillfully explores their complex relationship, bound by both professional and personal connections, in a non-linear format. Their diverging views represent a wider cultural shift occurring in Britain during the period, add dynamism to their relationship, and serve as the beating heart of the film. Damian Lewis delivers a brilliant performance as the eccentric visionary, capturing his character’s idiosyncrasies and flights of inconceivable fancy impeccably, while Jodhi May contrasts him perfectly as the grounded, practical Lizzie.

At a broader level, through the relationship between Paul and Lizzie, Friends and Crocodiles is a commentary on the metamorphosis of the business world over the years, from the hedonism of the 1980's to the onset of a more business-oriented and systematic culture in the 2000’s. The explorative spirit and liberating artistry of the earlier period are reflected in Paul’s refuse-to-be-tamed character, whereas the emergence of a more methodical culture is mirrored in Lizzie’s evolution.

Adding an unusual and disparate undertone to the story is Paul’s inexplicable fascination towards crocodiles. This eccentric fascination contributes to the thematic depths of the movie, alluding to the danger lurking beneath seemingly calm businesses and relationships, illustrating the propensity for sudden vicissitude and disaster. The unique touch of Paul's obsession with these reptiles adds an eclectic undertone to the narrative, accentuating the unpredictable nature of his character and relationships.

The film showcases stunning visuals and an aptly nostalgic backdrop, elevating the narrative's impact. Incorporating beautiful manors, rollicking parties, and natural settings within its expansive timeline further amplifies the film’s visual aesthetics.

Supporting characters played by the likes of Robert Lindsay, Eddie Marsan, and Patrick Malahide add diverse layers and perspectives to the storyline. These characters contribute to the dynamism of the narrative, exemplifying the various influences and societal shifts impacting the primary characters' journey.

The movie, while primarily a drama, deftly incorporates elements of romance without detracting from its central theme, hence appealing to a broad demographic of viewers. Its depiction of the evolution of business culture, combined with the organic growth of a complex, multifaceted relationship between two disparate individuals, results in an intriguing, nuanced narrative that is both powerful and inspiring.

Friends and Crocodiles is a film rife with metaphorical imagery that embodies the progressive metamorphosis of its characters and society at large, providing its audience with many layers to unravel. Its juxtaposition of characters, ideologies, and temporal settings creates a riveting watch for those who enjoy thought-provoking cinema.

From its stunning cinematography to the striking performances, Friends and Crocodiles is a poignant character study and a subtle socio-economic commentary. As it traces the lives of Paul and Lizzie, it serves as a rich canvas to explore themes of ambition, vision, change, obsession, and the nature of complex human relationships. Expect to be hooked from the start as this film takes you on an unexpected journey through time, business evolutions, artistic endeavors, and personal intricacies, all underpinned by a gripping emotional narrative.