'Filth and Wisdom' review

Eugene Hutz (Credit: IFC)

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The story of three London flatmates dreaming of better lives: Ukrainian immigrant A.K. (Eugene Hutz) wants to make it big with his band Gogol Bordello (Hutz’s real life band), ballerina Holly (Holly Weston) reluctantly accepts a job as an exotic dancer, and pharmacy clerk Juliette (Vicky McClure) spends most of her time concerned about starving children in Africa.

The buzz: There’s one reason this movie exists: Madonna. The pop superstar decided she wanted to co-write and direct a feature film and boldly (or foolishly?) cites legends like Jean-Luc Godard and Federico Fellini as inspirations. But the film’s lukewarm reception at festivals, low-key limited release and more publicity for Madge’s divorce than her debut as a director haven’t raised expectations very high.

The verdict: Bad, but not in any way that’s uncommon for an indie film about struggling artists in the big city. Chances are good “Filth and Wisdom” will come and go without most people even knowing it exists. Consider that a lucky break for the overexposed filmmaker. Her movie is a lot of things—part quirky comedy, part philosophical consideration of the concept of duality, part showcase for the music of Gogol Bordello—but they never add up. As the characters endure filth to find wisdom, the only feelings inspired in the audience are boredom and indifference.

Did you know? Anyone looking for the director to reveal something about herself may want to pay close attention to this line from a supporting character played by Madonna pal Richard E. Grant: “The road to success is paved with humiliation.”

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