A Fantastic Fear of Everything

Plot synopsis:
Jack is a children's author whose happy marriage has been destroyed by his obsession with his unpublished first book, Harold the Hedgehog. He is working on a series of scripts titled Decades of Death, about Victorian era serial killers. He has become obsessed with serial killers and paranoid that people are watching him and trying to kill him, which isn't helped by the fact that a serial killer called the Hanoi Handshake Killer, who cuts off the fingers of his victims, has been active in his neighbourhood.
While trying to give money in a sock to carolers, Jack is startled by a phone call from his agent, Claire. She tells him that Harvey Humphries, the head of scripts at the BBC, is interested in Jack's scripts and arranges a meeting between the two in just a few hours. Jack convinces himself that Humphries is a serial killer but plans to attend the meeting anyway.
Jack tries to clean his clothes in the oven to be presentable for his meeting with Humphries, only to find that he has super-glued a carving knife to his hand. After trying to remove the knife, he discovers that his clothes are ruined. Jack realises that he has to go to the laundrette. Since he is terrified of the prospect, he calls Professor Friedkin, an old friend, and asks for help. After listening to Jack's traumatic memories of the launderette, Friedkin convinces Jack that he must confront his fears and go there.
While at the laundrette, he doesn't understand how the machines work. Frustrating the fellow patrons, he decides to just dry the clothes because he doesn't have time to wash them again. A beautiful young woman then enters, causing Jack further distress, so he rushes to remove his damp clothes from the dryer so he can leave. Forgetting that the carving knife is still glued to his hand, he removes his hand from his pocket and causes the other customers to panic and lock him in the laundrette.
The police arrive, break into the laundrette and subdue Jack. The police remove the knife from his hand and treat his wounds. They are about to take him to the police station when a helicopter flies over and announces that there is an emergency and they are needed elsewhere. They hastily throw Jack into the back of the police van and drive off, but he falls out of the vehicle as it begins driving.
Perkins, a community support police officer, follows the young woman while Jack returns to the laundrette to get his clean shirt for his meeting. While Jack is changing into his shirt, he notices that a back door that had been locked is now open. He goes through the door and finds a hatch in the floor. As he looks through the hatch, someone hits him from behind.
Jack wakes up in the basement of the laundrette tied up next to the young woman. As they begin to panic, Perkins comes down the stairs. They urge him to get help but he reveals that he is the Hanoi Handshake Killer; he cuts the fingers off of his victims and blames the killings on the Vietnamese mafia. Perkins says the laundrette used to belong to his grandmother until the Vietnamese immigrants pushed her out, and he now murders for revenge. He then goes upstairs to sharpen his knife.
Jack tells the woman about the traumatic events in his childhood regarding the launderette, and she comforts him and urges him not to give up hope. She says her name is Sangeet and Jack asks her if she will have dinner with him if they survive. Perkins returns carrying a boombox playing the song "The Final Countdown" by Europe. Perkins and Jack argue about the song's genre, causing Perkins to tell them about his childhood. His mother died when he was very young and his grandmother took him in and gave him a room in the cellar. During this story we see that this was the same launderette that Jack was abandoned in and he was being watched by Perkins from the back room.
Jack and Sangeet try to get Perkins to admit that his grandmother did not take proper care of him. Jack argues that Tony is not a good serial killer because he is not original (he supposedly has his grandmother's body in a rocking chair, which references the film Psycho.)
Sangeet frees herself and injures Perkins as he is about to murder Jack. Sangeet tries to escape but Perkins recovers and drags her back into the cellar. As Perkins is struggling with Sangeet, she frantically suggests that Jack tell a story. Jack convinces Perkins to listen to a story as his final request. Jack tells a story called Brian the Hedgehog; Perkins relates to the story and cries, admitting that he didn't kill the first victim and he had only found the body. The owner of the launderette opens the hatch, prompting Jack and Sangeet to scream for help.
Several months later, we see a well-groomed Jack reading his book about Harold and Brian to a group of children. Sangeet and Professor Friedkin are there. Clair finally introduces Jack to Humphries, causing Jack to become briefly fearful. Sangeet reminds Jack that they are going to dinner, and so they leave the event and catch a taxi as the credits roll over the frame.

Tags: comedy, horror, psychedelic, entertaining

Review:
I bought tickets to this movie for its premier at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival based on the trailer alone and went in with some trepidation after checking its IMDb rating and reading some critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.Having seen the movie tonight, I can honestly say I feel like I'm from another planet then those reviewers.
Don't expect the broad appeal of "Shaun of the Dead" or "Hot Fuzz", and comparisons to other Simon Pegg films miss the point.
This is a film deserving attention, especially for writers and the "cult" audience who enjoy quirky, unique dark comedies/mysteries.Reviewers forget that some films are not for everyone, and their opinion is worth nothing in the evaluation of such films.
"Fantastic Fear" ranks among the "love it or leave it" types; you may find it annoying or too odd, like "Dark Shadows", or it's tremendous fun."Burke & Hare" also divided audiences, yet this film has more in common with murder-mysteries, like a cross between "Clue" and a spoofy take on say, the recent "The Raven (2012)".
There's murder in mind, paranoia at large and animation sequences akin to Fantastic Mr Fox and The Nightmare Before Christmas on LSD.Cast-wise there's nothing remarkable on display; Pegg is good but ill served by the stodgy first act and Amara Karan as Sangeet occasionally forgets how to act but gives enough to be enjoyable if not memorable.
As debuts go, it's not up there with Duncan Jones' Moon but it's one heck of a start and he's the star because he's dared to be both dark and different at a time when Hollywood is determined to be predictable and repetitively upbeat.A Fantastic Fear of Everything is far from being a perfect movie but it's a solid, enthralling film that hints at the possibility of Crispian Mills becoming a very fine filmmaker indeed and a hero of the off-kilter cinephiles who are tired of Tim Burton's ever-downward spiral and in need of someone new to rely on for their fix of surrealism..
This film captures some amazing ingredients of good black comedy films: mystical atmosphere, sound/music synchronization with sudden camera moves, funny faces (extreme), smart script, dream sequences and spontaneous direction.
Having read a few other reviews before watching it, I must say that I find it sad that people expect American style productions and high budgets in order to like a film.
I loved the film and if you like black comedy and other Simon Pegg's movies I suppose you'll at least like it, since it carries a cinematic seriousness in its humor..
I went to see A Fantastic Fear of Everything with no expectations as I hadn't read any reviews and had been underwhelmed by a couple of Simon Pegg's recent efforts.
To use a crude rating system i'd say that this was marginally better than Paul and a lot better than Burke & Hare.I liked the originality of the story and the journey the character took through the movie.
I went through a couple of lists of so-called "feel-good movies" but after realising that I can't take advice from anyone that finds the Hangover funny (no offence, just different tastes), I decided to see what Simon Pegg has been up to, as Shaun of the Dead is one of my biggest favourites.This isn't Shaun of the Dead, and if you watch it expecting it to be, you will be bitterly disappointed, as others have said.
However, the movie still has a certain dark humour, which I greatly enjoyed, and it carries a story, which for me was very meaningful.The first half of the movie might seem a bit dragged-out (I enjoyed it though, perhaps because I know all too well how easy it is to think yourself crazy, so I was able to relate to some of what was going on on the screen), but the second half is truly excellent The negative reviews were a bit too harsh in my opinion and that was what prompted me to write one of my own.
I love comedy and I always hope to be amused and laugh, but I don't know if it's me who has a weird sense of humor or is the movies I watch.
Simon Pegg stars as a paranoid crime writer haunted by a fear of being murdered as well as launderettes.
However for fans of Simon Pegg and his movies this will be a real treat.Reading some of the previous reviews and looking at the rating I wasn't expecting to like this film quite as much as I did.
For any fans of Simon Pegg or independent cinema who may potentially be discouraged from viewing this film due to the low ratings, don't be fooled!
Peggs characters have always been amiable but lovable losers but this guy is deeply and unashamedly paranoid,unattractive and delusional..I really don't want to give any spoilers away as the film unfolds so beautifully and I went from being slightly repulsed by him initially to cheering him on by the end.
There still is comedy bits in there (the whole idea is kind of crazy to begin with), but it gets mixed well with those really great shocking moments throughout the movie.An important character gets introduced very late in the movie, which can be viewed as a mistake or something bad, but even that sort of works for the movie.
I admit I like Simon Pegg, a lot, so I watched this movie just because of him.
The first time I tried to watch the movie I turned it off just like after 15 minutes, today I tried again and I was very tempted to stop it at least a couple of times during the first half an hour, but in the end I sticked with it and I'm very happy of my decision.
Yes, everybody knows this movies is not hilarious but that's not its goal, it's a movie about how Simon Pegg's character tries to overcome his fears.
The comedy in the film is in many cases hilarious, but at the same time, there is a sadness, a profundity, and a fear of loss and abandonment underlying it all.
What this film shows, on the part of both Mills and Pegg, is a sense of balance and control in the midst of a raging hurricane of hysteria, like two people walking a circus tightrope during a storm without a tent to cover them.
And Simon Pegg was a joint executive producer.) This film is one of those hand-crafted British sleepers made on a low budget which has the potential to score in a really big way worldwide, if properly distributed and marketed.
It's enough to make you believe in 'the inheritance of acquired characteristics.' As for the story of this film, Pegg plays a man suffering from the most extreme fears ('of everything') which as the film progresses and we learn more about him, we discover have a very understandable origin, and the curious connection they have with a laundry is even explained.
Secondly much of the first 3/4 of the film is just Simon pegg getting increasingly paranoid.
The way Simon Pegg portrays the illogical mind of a paranoid person is quite spot on.The film also deserves credit for its imaginary set dressing and effective use of simple but functional special effects and the animated sequences, as well as its nods to classic horror films and victoriana..
I decided to approach this film with zero background knowledge of its contents; sure, Simon Pegg standing with a knife in his underwear may detract some weirdos, but let them go watch Twilight and Scandal.
This movie jumped off the screen immediately, and it does not take long for the audience to become acclimated with the antagonist's lifestyle--even his disgusting underwear habits, which many of us writers...know.What makes this film so great is how it weaves through the main characters complexities in life in such a way that the audience can easily become lost if their eyes leave the screen for just a second--he's a writer, a divorced man, paranoid, delusion, and, against his will, a dreamer.
These, among so many others, are the sort of nostalgic feelings this films provides for its viewers; that alone is worth the walk, albeit a creepy one, down memory lane.That said, I can see why some folks would be a bit upset with the progression of events as the story's momentum becomes a bit muddled toward the end, but I actually enjoy structure like this because it offers the possibility for interpretation.
The essence of the film here is not what the audience sees on the screen; instead, the entire story plays out through moving imagery to identify the inner workings of a writer's mind, narrating this paranoia with the inner vocalizations that could be the possible cause for much of our antagonist's woes.Incredibly well done.
Simon Pegg's character in A FANTASTIC FEAR OF EVERYTHING suffers from the same Post Traumatic Stress that I do when I watch yet another of the seemingly endless television shows (documentaries OR dramas) that deal with serial killers or mass murderers.
Nor the fact that, on at least THREE occasions, serial killers have been credited with local murders here where I now live...) Pegg manages in A FANTASTIC FEAR OF EVERYTHING to convey the sense of heightened paranoia one often feels when surrounded by sinister strangers (or even ordinary, everyday basket cases who babble on to themselves while waiting in line at a convenience store or walking down the sidewalk as if they're communicating with someone on another plane of Existence).
He was not much cop as a lead singer of Kula Shaker and is a horrible filmmaker.In ' A Fantastic Fear of Everything' Simon Pegg plays a peculiar crime writer who needs to get to a meeting with a Hollywood mogul.
At first I found it cringe worthy but yet intriguing, then I started to laugh out loud when I stared to sympathize and relate to the issues at hand, then I got confused, then I laughed some more, and then I was happily surprised...Not bad reaction for one film, I think the scenery was great and the character very likable, the narration was great.At some points it was a little to much but that is to be expected, i think I could have been toned down slightly at some points, where it seemed to want to tick some sort of "we need this in the film to make it palatable" tick-box..
He does add a certain style of comedy to the film sure but he's not the director and that needs to be thrown out of peoples mind before viewing this.
Now, let's start, shall we?A Fantastic Fear of Everything tells the story of Jack, a tormented, seemingly paranoid horror author gone child writer doing his daily chores and overcoming his bizarre primal fears while he's at it, and although I won't spoil anything, that's basically everything the movie does aside from the last quarter, perhaps 20 minutes of the film.
Simon Pegg is for the most part great as jack, but being a fan of exaggerated performances from time to time, even I have to admit that the abundance of his character is a bit fatiguing at times, complete with panic attacks every two minutes and more to come.
But that being said, aside from these two major flaws, I honestly can't say more bad things about this movie, the sheer humbleness and generally small scale of the story and Simon Pegg's nearly laughable level of over-the-top character are probably the two major reasons people were put off by this movie when it came out and have been calling it quits to date.
But if you're an avid fan of Simon Pegg's work, an something new in general, this movie won't disappoint.
And that's were the things that this movie DOES hit spot-on kick in: the amazing, dark camera work with small sections of gruesome, yet appealing animation (almost Tim Burton-esque), the pitch-black humour, the hilarious twist, and the terrific final seconds make this one a must-watch for horror/dark comedy/Simon Pegg fans for me, despite all its flaws..
This film is absolutely terrible we were desperate for something to watch and found this with simon pegg thinking it was a safe bet as he has done obvious good films.
Narrrgggh this film is rotten we lasted about 50 mins and enden up with it just on in the background what was he thinking do they not watch their own film or do they get so Rich it doesn't matter what tripe they bash out its money in the bank, 99% of the time hes running round his flat looking unconvincingly scared with his knife not even sure there is anyone else in this film Boring Boring Boring ROTTEN PEGG stick to what you know fat boy run etc was fantastic what the hell is this tripe, sure you will get a few fools who think its a dark comedy or cult follow etc etc nargh don't risk it its crud..
When I saw that Simon Pegg (one of my favourite comedy actors) was in this film, I had high expectations.
I dread to think what this film would have been like with a less talented lead actor, because Pegg is the sole reason why I watched it until the end.'A Fantastic Fear of Everything' is anything but fantastic.
Where the boundaries between imagination and reality are tested with a touch of British humour that is conveyed in a typical Simon Pegg fashion.If you liked Burke and Hare or Hot Fuzz, then this movie is definitely for you..
Perhaps you need to understand the workings of anxiety and paranoia and the way they make your mind work against you to really appreciated, this, but Pegg, in full dark comedy mode, gives a truly great performance in this.
So, if you love Simon Pegg and enjoy morbid yet amusing stories, you will probably like this film.
No, this is definitely not a mainstream comedy movie.It was the wonderfully bizarre storyline and Simon Pegg's ability to immerse himself into the odd character that made the movie what it was.
And don't expect a movie in the likes of "Shaun of the Dead" or "Hot Fuzz", because the movie doesn't have that mass audience appeal.I loved the absurdity of the character and all his fears, and Simon Pegg really performed superbly in this particular role.
If you enjoy Simon Pegg movies then you should take the time to sit down and watch "A Fantastic Fear of Everything".As I mentioned earlier, do take into consideration that the absurdity of this movie might put you off, but at least give it a chance and watch it..
Between his work in A Fantastic Fear of Everything and Hector and the Search for Happiness, it's practically a surprise this year's Disney/Pixar juggernaut Inside Out wasn't released starring Pegg as all five dominant emotions (I'd watch that movie).
I am a very big fan of Simon Pegg, (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Worlds End and Paul).
A Fantastic Fear of Everything is not Pegg's best work, but still a rather enjoyable film that I found hilarious (The best was probably PC Taser playing 'Final Countdown' near the end).A Fantastic Fear of Everything is one of those films that you just need to sit back, watch, and just enjoy the film for what it is.
Not even funny as a black comedy, i think there were about 3 real jokes in the entire film, one involving somersaults around characters flat, another with superglue and a knife, the third regarding a PCSO /lollipop man..
With a friend coming back from Australia,I decided to look round for a movie that she would enjoy.Due to her being a Simon Pegg fan,I was happy to find that one of his lesser-known movies had turned up at a local DVD shop,which led to me getting ready to discover how fantastic this fear could be.The plot:Unable to sell his children's book, author Jack decides to move on to writing a book on Victorian serial killers (not much of a change there!) Delving into research,Jack starts to become obsessed by the history of the killers,and starts to become paranoid.Locking himself in his flat,Jack gets a call from his publisher,telling him that he must come out,due to their being a big shot producer who wants to adapt Jack's book.
Well this film puts this common and often missed part of life into a quirky and amusing perspective with the gem of Simon Pegg starring.
I like Simon Pegg.
having not heard of this i went in blind and that is a good thing.i didn't know if this would end up being one set piece; luckily pegg leaves his abode and when he gets to the laundry the film takes off.that scene is hilarious and leads somewhere you wont expect.mills has done an excellent job directing and i hope hes goes on to do more films.this film has a magical feel to it unlike most of the dross that passes for entertainment today.a film worth rewatching again with friends.like shaun of the dead this one will last as a favourite film ..
I watched this film as a Simon Pegg fan and a general supporter of low budget British cinema, and it was well worth it.
Now he must use his talent as a writer to get away with life from the hands of a madman.When you see a movie with Simon Pegg in the main role you normally expect for a comedy but I merely smile a couple of time during the film and only for the small black humor in it.It has a weird vibe in it also the character situations are strange, also his messy look, in fact the whole thing is just creepy and unique.For his performance SP deserves a price for showing his talent not only as a comedy actor and he proves that he is able to play a more challenging part; and he truly did a good job.