Stuart - A Life Backwards cover art

Stuart - A Life Backwards Details

2007 Certificate 18
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 1155 members

Based on the acclaimed book by Alexander Masters, STUART: A LIFE BACKWARDS is the unconventional non-fiction biography of homeless alcoholic Stuart Shorter. Benedict Cumberbatch (ATONEMENT, THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL) plays Masters, a reclusive writer and illustrator who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Shorter--portrayed with .. Read more

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Edna Dore, Tom Hardy, Nicola Duffett
Director David Attwood
Genres Drama, Television

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Stuart - A Life Backwards

Based on the acclaimed book by Alexander Masters, STUART: A LIFE BACKWARDS is the unconventional non-fiction biography of homeless alcoholic Stuart Shorter. Benedict Cumberbatch (ATONEMENT, THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL) plays Masters, a reclusive writer and illustrator who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Shorter--portrayed with a quiet intensity by Tom Hardy (WAZ, SCENES OF A SEXUAL NATURE)--during a campaign to release two charity workers from prison. As the pair get to know each other, more and more portentous details of Stuart's traumatic childhood and turbulent adolescence come to light. Fascinating by how these events contributed to Stuart's current situation, Alexander encourages him to tell his life story--in reverse to make it 'more exciting - like a Tom Clancy murder-mystery'. Gradually with plenty of pathos, dry dark humour and without shying away from the more malignant aspects of Stuart's personality or the crimes committed, a very complex and tragic life is unraveled.
Excellent performances from the leads and supporting players, plus an insightful, uncontrived script remaining close to the award-winning book, make STUART: A LIFE BACKWARDS stand out as a modern classic.

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Edna Dore, Tom Hardy, Nicola Duffett
Director David Attwood
Studio REVELATION FILMS
Run time DVD: 1 hr 28 mins
Certificate Certificate 18
Genres Drama, Television
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 25 Aug 2008
Production year: 2007
Format DVD
  • Critics' reviews (2) of Stuart - A Life Backwards

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  • [...]a remarkable one-off film. Uncomfortable, warm, distressing and funny[...]

    • The Guardian
  • [...]classic television of the kind they're not supposed to make anymore

    • Daily Mail
  • Most helpful member's review of Stuart - A Life Backwards

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  • 22 out of 24 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 1 star

    P OOR

    A cheap made film it looks very shoddy

      • A customer from Aberdeen
  • Most recent members' review of Stuart - A Life Backwards

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  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Stuart - A Life Backwards

    Having seen Martina Coles - The Take and being mesmorized by Tom Hardys performance I went on to see Bronson and now Stuart! Tom Hardy is a fasinating actor who seems to be able to draw you in even when playing the most unappealing of roles. Would highly recommend all of the above to those looking for interesting films to watch away from all the Hollywood Blockbusters especially when we have such amazing talent in the shape of Tom Hardy here at home!

      • A customer from London
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Rating breakdown

1,155 Member ratings
  • 100
185
  • 90
109
  • 80
333
  • 70
205
  • 60
144
  • 50
69
  • 40
48
  • 30
15
  • 20
33
  • 10
14

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    • Based on the acclaimed book by Alexander Masters, STUART: A LIFE BACKWARDS is the unconventional non-fiction biography of homeless alcoholic Stuart Shorter. Benedict Cumberbatch (ATONEMENT, THE OTHER ...