Don't expect gritty Scottish realism from the debut feature by Peter Mullan, star of My Name Is Joe and The Claim. This blacker-than-coal comedy about four grief-stricken Glaswegians on the eve of their mother's funeral wears absurd surrealism and overblown melodrama on its blood-stained sleeve.
DVD Extras:
Trailer, deleted scenes, featurette, auditions footage, two short films by Peter Mullan, filmographies, production notes, soundtrack-only feature, commentary.Given that FilmFour accidentally destroyed Orphans' out-take reels, it's amazing that this disc has so much extra material on it. The deleted scenes (rescued from videotape) add to the brew, while the inclusion of actors' auditions makes this package a masterclass for low-budget film-makers. The director clearly believes honesty is the best policy, pointing out errors and playing down his obvious talent.
