A STREET CAT NAMED BOB
Directed by Roger Spottiswoode (who also directed Turner & Hooch), this film is based on the autobiographical books by James Bowen about a man and his cat which tells the story of how Bowen, portrayed by Luke Treadaway, a homeless, recovering drug addict, ekes out a rather edgy and skint existence busking on the streets of London.
His patient, sympathetic support worker Val (Joanne Froggatt) manages to find him accommodation. One evening Bowen discovers Bob the cat guzzling his cereal. At first Bowen shoos him, but then he notices that the cat is badly injured, after which he then makes contact with his neighbour, animal lover and activist Bettie (Ruta Gedmintas). Between Val, Bob and Bettie, Bowen’s life will never be the same.
Some of this film is very harrowing and sad (Bowen’s going cold turkey, his friend Baz’s death by overdose), some of it warm and funny. Kids will enjoy the scenes where Bob is chased by dogs.
The scintillating score includes folky songs by Charlie Fink of the band Noah and the Whale, and various other ballads, touchingly sung by Treadaway.
The film begins slowly establishing Bowen’s situation but grows and develops under Spottiswoode’s sure touch. There are some marvellously atmospheric rainy shots of different parts of London at various times of day, including Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and boats on the river Thames.
Does Bettie discover Bowen’s lies about being a user? Will Bowen reconcile with his estranged father? Will Bob return after he vanishes, frightened and chased by the threatening dogs?!
Most of it is shot from Bowen’s point of view but some of it is photographed through Bob’s eyes (cat cam) with luminous shots of our gorgeous feline star. ( Bob himself is in it but there are also several body doubles / ‘stunt cats’).
Bob the cat is a cool dude, a ‘lucky’ ginger tabby with green eyes who turns out to be an amazingly faithful and unflappable cat.
As Bowen says ,Bob becomes his ‘best friend ‘and ‘co-pilot’ , going everywhere with him, busking , catching the bus, attending his office appointments and more. He is well behaved and often on a leash but very comfortable alternatively draped on Bowen’s shoulders. While Bowen struggles through going cold turkey, Bob is concerned and there for him.
Bowen is given a strong performance by Luke Treadaway (Tonight You’re Mine (aka You Instead), and the original London production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) depicting his skittish, jittery, fragile and damaged personality
Val, the sympathetic and encouraging yet firm social worker is delightfully played by Joanne Froggatt.
Bowen’s delightful pixie like vegan neighbour Betty, with a troubled past of her own ,is terrifically played by Ruta Gedmintas.
Running time 105 minutes
Go see. A STREET CAT NAMD BOB screens at selected cinemas from February 9 2017.
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