Where do you start with this one? Undoubtedly a fantastically woven story and definitely spellbinding to watch, the French Direction is strong throughout, like garlic, and gives the film a strangely European vibe. I mean this film does not feel “American” in the slightest. From the way it is shot, through to its pacing and even the acting from the leads. It just doesn’t have that “Yank” vibe at all. This really suits Messer Kaufman’s writing to a tee. I’ve now seen all of Kaufman’s films and I’m really getting a feel for them. They are touching with out being sentimental. Weird, without being geeky. Intelligent, without pretension. You get the idea. ESSM is no exception. A clever and involved storyline that forces you to think and asks some quite big questions, (without knowledge of our history are we doomed to repeat out mistakes? Can you escape love’s providence? That sort of thing) means that some big time performances were required from the cast, and Jim Carry and Kate Winslet do not disappoint. Personally I think it is a feckin’ travesty that Jimbo hasn’t got a little golden boy to polish yet, and here he turns in another nomination worthy performance. Jim delivers an astoundingly introverted performance which really sets the mood, yet his more extrovert side is allowed out to perform (the childhood scenes spring to mind). Amazingly Jim manages this without allowing one to over power the other. In case you hadn’t guessed this isn’t “Ace Ventura” Jim, this is “Man on the Moon/Truman Show” Jim. A sensitive and moving actor who manages to loose you and him in a role, which is no mean feat when you consider the character that he appears to be in real life. Not to suggest that this is a one man show. Kate Winslet balances what could have been a hugely irritating character with skill and poise. She plays the nutty, wild and extrovert love interest to Carry’s deep, self-aware and shy lead. Flaky and impetuous with her multi –coloured hair, she could so very easily been a character you loathed, but the delicate portrayal and the balanced writing and direction lend her just enough gravity and humanity to stop her becoming “too much”. The chemistry between the two is pretty good as well. This in this kind of film can make all the difference. They make an interesting couple that you care about and can identify with. A strong supporting cast and a pace that gathers momentum right the way through help make this a strong contender for film of the year.