Review of Tube Tales (1999) by Stuart K — 18 Oct 2009

An anthology of short films, based upon the real-life experiences of passengers on the London Underground that were originally submitted to Time Out magazine, and funded by Sky. They got some really talented filmmakers in to do some of the segments, (some of them are directed by top actors), and they feature some good actors too.

Like all anthology films, some segments work better than others, but it makes for entertaining viewing. There are 9 segments, they range Horny, written and directed by Stephen Hopkins, about a young woman (Denise Van Outen), who uses her sexuality to take advantage of a sleazy old man (Tom Bell).

There's My Father the Liar, directed by Bob Hoskins, and it has a father (Ray Winstone) who lies to protect his young son (Tom Watson), after they witness a suicide at a tube station. There's Bone, directed by Ewan McGregor, where a trombonist (Nicolas Tennant), who fantasises about a girl in a lost travel card, and there's A Bird in the Hand, directed by Jude Law, about an old man (Alan Miller) who saves a stunned bird trapped on a tube train.

It's a good anthology film, and it doesn't go on for too long either. They all weave into one another nicely, they're all different and have their own individual look. Although done cheaply, they're all well made, and bring out a unique view of London's Underground.