Rave parties and subculture built around them represent one of the more interesting pop culture phenomena of 1990s. Film makers, however, weren’t that keen to explore it or use it as background for their works. One of rare films with plots that revolves around rave is Sorted, 2000 British thriller directed by Alexander Jovy.
Protagonist is Carl (played by Matthew Rhys), young man from Yorkshire who comes to London because of family tragedy. His brother Justin (played by Matthew Vincent), successful attorney, has been recently found dead in Thames. Carl doesn’t think that the death was accidental and decides to investigate. While rummaging through Justin’s things he discovers part of his brother’s life that was unknown even to Justin’s girlfriend Sunny (played by Sienna Guillory). Justin was electronic dance music enthusiast and spent large amount of time at rave parties. Convinced that someone at London rave scene might give them answers about Justin’s death, Carl and Sunny become going to the clubs. Their search is fruitless until they find at transvestite named Martin (played by Jason Donovan) and former model Tiffany (played by Faye Masterson). Those two are, however, connected with Damien Kemp (played by Tim Curry), sinister rave club owner who doesn’t like someone poking about Justin’s business since Justin happened to be in possession of evidence about Kemp’s illegal activities. Carl has, however, developed another problem – long presence at rave parties made him prone to accepting offers of various synthetic drugs.
Sorted was feature debut for Alexander Jovy, young director who got into film making after abandoning his previous career of solicitor. His work suggest great talent for visuals and apparently good knowledge of rave culture and all of its aspects. Script written by Nick Villiers, Christian Spurrier and Malcolm Campbell, on the other hand, is rather weak. It opens promisingly, but later descends into cliches and one-dimensional characters, like over-the-top villain played by rather disinterested Tim Curry. The rest of cast is, however, more than solid. Matthew Rhys plays clumsy and confused protagonist very convincingly, while Sienna Guillory delivers something more than pretty face (which made even prettier thanks to camera of cinematographer Mike Southon). Faye Masterson, American actress who usually played supporting roles, handles her part very well, but the most memorable is Australian singer and actor Jason Donovan who is almost unrecognisable in the role of arguably the most flamboyant character of his career. Although slightly rough around the edges and definitely with potential of being much better, Sorted represents solid piece of entertainment that could be recommended even to those viewers not particularly interested in electronic dance music.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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