The Naked Civil Servant Reviews

Kinda sad, inspiring and sometimes just funny

I didn't know much about Quinten Crisp before, other that he was a flambouyant queen well known in the sixties and seventies. The film made me see, in relative terms, how quickly times have changed and how homosexuality is so easily accepted now, making me very grateful I wasn't born into that era. This is the bio of a brave man determined not to conform and should be an inspiration to anyone who just wants to do their own thing! John Hurt was excellent but I think this is probably a better book than film.

a must to have

I can't say anything else except that if you want to see a great actor, playing in a great role, about a real person, yes crisp was a real person, overcomming homophobia, bigotry and finally becoming the toast of new york, then this is a must see film.

Treat yourself, watch it and weep!!!!!

One word: wow.

Amazing. I first saw this many years ago as child, and didn't really understand it. Many years later, I sat through it; appalled, delighted, inspired. What a character. An inspiration to alot of people; gay or straight.

London atmosphere

John Hurt is brilliant in this autobiographical film of Quentin Crisp's life.

The atmosphere of London in the forties and beyond is captured very well - look out for 'Only Fools and Horses' Trigger as one of the male prostitutes early on.

This is a funny, and occasionally quite emotional account of the life of one of the most flambouyant characters the UK has ever produced.

Acting at its best

What a great film. John hurt was truly superb portraying quentin crisp in this role.

As far as the biographical story goes. It is whitty, funny, touching, heart felt, sad and flamboyant.

A true depection of how hard it was to grow up in a society that did not understand the word gay.

Thoroughly recommended.

QUENTIN CRISP

IF THEY MADE TV DOCU-DRAMAS LIKE THESE NOW.. NO ONE WOULD WATCH FILMS WITH SPECIAL FX..SHAME THEY DON'T. ONE OF THE BEST ADAPTATIONS OF A SCRIPT FROM A BOOK TO THE SCREEN.. THE ACTING IS SECOND TO NONE..JOHN HURT WAS ESPECIALLY GOOD..PORTRAYING A MAN WHO OVER THE DURATION OF HIS LIFE REALISES FROM HIS CHILDHOOD TO HIS ADULTHOOD HE IS AN EFEMINATE HOMOSEXUAL..& DOES HIS UTMOST TO PROMOTE HIMSELF AS THUS..ENCOUNTERS WITH BUTCH SAILORS/ MAD ARTY FARTY TYPES etc ONLY CONVINCES HIM THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM NOT HIM...ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT

excellent

truly superb performance from john hurt. also contains some very clever and memorable lines from the unique genius of quentin crisp. highly enjoyable. if you haven't seen it yet - check it out.

MUST Watch TV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The naked civil servant lives in a different world & time to us all (whatever our sexuality). This dramatisation, as I hate to use the word biopic, is sharp, fresh and not dated. Quentin Crisp's life and actions are ones of bravery & defiance - you will howl with laughter when an army baord attempts to conscript him, but fails or when he is defending himself in front of a court.

Definitely one to watch - if not BUY!

Mood Propeller

And you thought your life was hard? Try this for a change and you'll propel all worries into laughter.

[Highly rated reviewer]

A new concept: the biopic about someone of interest!

I could say that i was pretty biased about any John Hurt performance, except that would suggest that he isn't always on top form in everything I've seen him in. His style is theatrical and hammy and there is always a feeling that he mostly plays himself... perhaps this is why seeing John Hurt in so many guises and roles all the more impressive.

It can't have been easy casting this biopic of Quentin Crisp, however Hurt seems like the obvious choice once you see him in action. This film is a joy to behold and Hurt's treatment of the much loved Crisp is loving and deft. Whilst there are flashes of theatrical comedy, the intrinsic sadness of the story prevails... a combination that leaves the viewer inspired.