Eye For Film >> Movies >> The Duke of Goo (2003) Film Review
The Duke of Goo
Reviewed by: Amber Wilkinson
This atmospheric tale of life in the urban jungle at night initially seems to have a lot going for it. Shot in black and white, it feels edgy and the whispery voice-over hints at sinister things to come.
Despite the nice set up, however, it is difficult to discern any notable story. What plot there is seems to centre on the eponymous Duke - a tramp-cum-mythological bogeyman type, who comes out at night to eat doughnuts and, possibly, prey on children who don't brush their teeth. Running alongside the Duke is a somewhat pointless subplot involving a lot of beautiful people having a rock party in a junkyard.
There is no dialogue, just the creepy narrative (presumably by the director, as there is no narrator's credit) - but while being poetic it lacks any real substance, making it hard to engage with this film. It is stylish, but it feels unfinished. Instead of bringing a bottle to their rave, someone should have brought along a story.
Reviewed on: 01 Jun 2005