In the Loop’s screenwriters work in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay. It’s their true medium (to paraphrase A Christmas Story). This biting British political comedy costarring James Gandolfini as a pissed-off U.S. general will teach you wonderful new ways of swearing. Serious swearing. Ornate, baroque cussing. Indeed, there will not be a more profane film released this year, or any year. Why tell a press officer to simply leave the room when you can tell her to fuck off, twice, and remind her that “this is a government department, not some fucking Jane fucking Austen novel” and that you have a lubricated horse cock? (And there’s far worse.) Most of this abuse is targeted at actor Tom Hollander—the smarmy villain from the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. Here, he’s a meek government minister who nearly triggers a war with an innocuous comment. But rest easy: In the Loop isn’t about weighty politics. It’s a buzzing, fast-paced story about spin doctoring and the handlers who go ballistic, taking shoptalk to deliriously inappropriate ends. The movie will remind you of an unhinged episode of The Office, with characters so stunned, their mouths hang open. Prepare to quote from it until you are reprimanded. Also, Mena Suvari look-alike Anna Chlumsky = eye candy.
