Jack Tapp is a self-promoting, egocentric celebrity who is determined to win the show and make his name as a star. He’s dismissive of Paul, who is trying to help others, and dismissive of the other contestants, many of whom are struggling with their own personal problems. Despite this, Jack Tapp is ultimately the one who wins the show.
The contestant’s goal is not necessarily fame and fortune, but to help others. By winning the talent show, he will earn enough money to buy a bungalow for his elderly mother, so he has far more altruistic motives than those who only want to win for materialistic gain.
Paul is a very talented amateur performer, but his song and dance act is not very good. He has a lot of potential, but he needs to work hard to get to the stage.
Paul is delayed numerous times on his journey to the audition with his wheelchair-bound mum. A bureaucratic railway manager (Steve Oram) makes Paul miss the train twice. A clergyman (Kris Marshall) and his nasty female companion (Alice Lowe) thwart Paul’s attempts to get into a taxi. And a Japanese restaurant owner (Johnny Vegas) does much to slow Paul down when he refuses to give him a glass of water for his mum. ..
As a result of the delay, Paul is late for his audition. When he arrives, nobody but Jack Tapp and his assistant are left. At first, Jack is dismissive of Paul when he asks to be given a chance. But when he finds out Paul is live streaming via a phone hanging around his neck, he turns on the charm and lets him do his act.
As expected, Paul does not do well and Jack lets him know this, in true Simon Cowell fashion. Unfortunately, Paul’s misfortune does not end there, as his mum sadly dies while watching him perform. ..
As the audience member watches, they are left in shock as Paul’s rampage unfolds. His goal seems clear - to take down those who sabotaged his dreams and make them pay for their actions. But as the events unfold, it becomes clear that this is not a simple revenge plot. In fact, the people who sabotaged Paul’s dreams may have had other motives entirely.
This film is never likely to win any major awards. However, it is an enjoyable watch, especially during the final third when Paul goes on his killing spree. While his behavior cannot be condoned, the temptation is there to cheer Paul on as he goes after the people who destroyed his dreams. This is partly because we can relate to his plight. Many of us have had our dreams shattered by those who have gotten in our way, be they talent show judges or bullying work colleagues who have stepped on us in an effort to climb the corporate ladder. Of course, not many of us would bump off such bullies but we might fantasise about doing so! ..
This revenge film is about a man who takes revenge on those who wronged him in the past. Paul is a successful businessman who has been wronged many times in his life, so he takes it upon himself to exact revenge on those who have hurt him.
The film is a satire on the way that many of us try to get approval by live-streaming our thoughts and broadcasting our every move. It is a commentary on the way that social media obsession has led to people being too busy and too focused on what they are seeing and hearing to actually have any real life relationships or experiences.
Paul Dood is a rideshare driver who tries to gain online followers by murdering his unlucky passengers, and the 2017 film Ingrid Goes West, about a young woman who believes her Instagram friends truly like her. Paul Dood is a far more sympathetic character than the protagonists in those films, however, and as such, might be more relatable to you. ..
The film explores the damaging effects of televised talent contests on the lives of contestants. Recently, there was a lot of controversy surrounding Jeremy Kyle and his abusive treatment of guests on his show. ..
The X-Factor is a program that takes delight in parading deluded hopefuls on screen for the sake of entertainment.
I don’t think Paul Dood is for everyone. The violence, while played out in a comedic fashion, is still rather sick, so this isn’t a film for the squeamish. But if you can stomach the brief moments of gore, there is enjoyment to be had here, mostly thanks to the talented cast of British actors that many of you will be familiar with.
This film asks you to reflect on your own behaviour and whether you need to change it. It also gives you the opportunity to answer questions about your life and what you should do next.
This film is a fun, if slightly uncomfortable watch, but it is worth a look if you get the chance. It’s funny, cathartic, and occasionally poignant. It might not have the X-Factor but it’s not a film that deserves to be on your reject list.
