The Glass Man

Not a lost film by any means but The Glass Man does appear to have fallen off the radar since it was shown at FrightFest in 2011. Which is very strange as it is a quality film with exemplary acting, directing, narrative and photography all brought together to form a highly satisfying whole.

Martin Pyrite (Andy Nyman) is in a good position with a wonderful home and happily married to Julie (Neve Campbell). The morning ritual of a shave, what clothes to wear and breakfast are those of a successful man with little to worry about. But Martin doesn't have a job having been fired, a hint of this early on when he intercepts the post finding a letter informing him he is massively in arrears. It becomes clear that his wife knows nothing about this.

His work routine is a sham revealed when he bumps into an ex colleague and later humiliated in the office, when he questions his ex-boss and former colleagues about a bad reference. Seeking solace in an ice-cream his wife calls him, asking him about a call from a female work colleague. While on the call he says the wrong thing to the wrong person and is relieved of his expensive watch.

At home he compounds his lies until Julie has enough and goes to bed. Enter the very intimidating man-mountain Pecco (James Cosmo) saying he has taken on Tom's (a close friend of Martin’s) debt, and he wants paying. Realising that Martin can’t pay he proposes that if he helps him with a job that night, the slate will be cleared. Martin doesn’t really have a choice and accepts.

I can’t say any more as it would ruin a film that gets more and more intriguing as it evolves. Central to this is writer/director Cristian Solimeno skilfully setting up aspects of Martin’s character early in the film. He’s a man that while very nice is not that strong a character, to some he could be pathetic. He can’t admit to his wife he was fired, and seemingly has trouble standing up for himself – humiliated in the office and by the passer by who steals his watch.

Add to this his tendency for pretension – have you read all those books Pecco asks as he sizes up the bookcase. Yes, some, not many, they are first editions not there to be read replies Martin, answering a question that we already knew the answer to.

Andy Nyman’s performance is remarkable working with an ostensibly unattractive character, gradually shifting him so the viewer understands and sympathises with him. Whether you actually like the man though is another matter because of other elements in play that confuse our perceptions. James Cosmo as the towering Pecco is a perfectly terrifying foil, equally brutal and understanding; it’s a nuanced performance and strangely graceful in its menace.

As the night wares on Martin and Pecco talk, not bonding or anything, just sharing personal details, that lead to some off the wall decisions. Like Martin visiting his childhood friend the wealthy actor Toby Huxley (Cristian Solimeno) for the money, in a disturbing sequence that manipulates the perspectives of the main characters. There are thoughts of After Hours as the pair bounce from situation to situation though they are fleeting as this is far bleaker.

It’s an intricately plotted film that requires some concentration but the direction is so well paced and writing so lucid that you barely notice the time passing and the viewer is amply rewarded at the end. The only flaw, for me, was the score that I found irritating at times with the solo piano intruding and incongruous. Having said that it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the film. Highly recommended.

The Glass Man will be available on a number of digital platforms from 7 December.