The Tiger’s Tail DVD Review

The Tiger’s Tail

Street Date: August 11, 2009
Pricing: $29.98 U.S. / $37.98 Canada (DVD)
Total Run Time: 97 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R

Synopsis – “In a society divided by “haves” and “have nots,” wealthy Irish capitalist Liam O’Leary (Brendan Gleeson) has it all. But now, Liam is being stalked by a menacing look-alike, intent on stealing away everything he has: his job, his wife (Sex and the City’s Kim Cattrall), and his sanity. As his perfect world comes crashing down, Liam must fight to stay alive and uncover the shocking secret of his shadowy past before it destroys him.”

Part drama, part thriller, The Tiger’s Tail is an allegory about Ireland’s economy. Its story revolves on Irish property developer Liam O’Leary’s past being a lie and his future not his own. It is a cautionary story filled with sex, lies, and a plot that twists. Its message is clear and direct–exploitation destroys.

When O’Leary (Brendon Gleeson) sees his double but no one else does everyone except his sister and a priest think he is having a mental breakdown. Nouveau riche confronts his all too real doppelganger. In the process he finds himself cut off from the life and family he knows. He discovers he has a twin, separated at birth. This brother, underclassed and deprived, is a have not who resents him enough to want to destroy him. Will he succeed? Will he take his life?

Director John Boorman’s The Tiger’s Tail (R) moves quickly and compellingly for the first hour then slows as it moves to its climax. The subplot of the attempted suicide of O’Leary’s son is meant as a commentary on the stress of Dublin life. The Tiger’s Tales is available August 11, 2009, on DVD.

This story has been told and retold many times. It is the 21st Century’s update to Twain’s Prince and the Pauper only much, much darker. I think Brendon Gleeson does an excellent acting job portraying an arrogant man whose life is unraveling. Cast in the lead role, he shows both talent and versatility. One can hardly recognize the one-eyed ex-Auror Mad-Eye Moody of Harry Potter films.