Everything (II) (2004) User Reviews

When you want to know everything, you might not like what you get

[RJBurke1942 · 7/10 · 23 April 2008]

There are very visual films and there are very talky films.

Most films fall into the former category. However, one of the most famous of the latter variety was My Dinner With Andre (1984), a brilliant talk-fest directed by Louis Malle.

This little gem has no gastronomic delights and it's no intellectual heavyweight, either. It does, however, hit you between the eyes with its raw emotions and power.

Consider this as a plot: an unnamed man (Ray Winstone) spends day after day with a local London prostitute, paying her to allow him to find out everything about her. The hooker, Naomi (Jan Graveson), agrees to the arrangement initially, but soon, she begins to question the man's motivations despite the fact that he's not violent, he's very courteous, but he's very nervous and evasive about what he wants – other than to ask questions.

At a certain point, he tells Naomi his name is Richard. He asks for her real name. She refuses. But he keeps pressing for more details about her work, her life, her loves – if she has any, that is. He pays her a lot of money to talk. So, she answers his questions. And, at the end of his time each day, he leaves to go home to his suburban house and his suburban wife to watch his suburban TV etc etc.

Why is Richard doing this every day? Good question...

Were it not for the acting skill of Winstone and Graveson plus the intricate and highly charged script, I think many would walk away from this one, because the narrative doesn't seem to be going anywhere. That is, until you realize that Richard is slowly but surely gaining Naomi's trust: and eventually, Richard is no longer a john or a client. He's a friend...

So, it's when Richard finally asks Naomi to do something extra special for him that the real reason for Richard's interest in Naomi is revealed in an emotional climax that will touch all but the most cynical or hard-hearted.

So, to say any more about this very clever narrative would spoil it completely.

Cinematography and music soundtrack are excellent, although I was a bit annoyed by the overuse of quick zooms in, reminding me of the way some Asian directors do the same technique with martial arts films. That aside, it's actually very well photographed, with some unusual stairway shots. Some might say it is way too slow. Given the context of the whole story, however, I think it's just right.

Now - all of that might make you think this film is a downer. Not so. In fact, it's an object lesson in what it means when you gain somebody's trust – and the final scene between Richard and Naomi says it all...

Somewhat inane.

[punishmentpark · 5/10 · 15 July 2013]

On the positive side, Ray Winstone and Jan Graveson make a nice 'couple' and deliver lots of interesting scenes. It is filmed in a decent way, except for some strange zooms (mostly in the beginning of the film) that seemed completely unnecessary.

And then there's a negative side, as you may have expected. It's usually pretty clear that there has to be some personal drama behind the behaviour of such a nice, f*-ed up man, and one of my guesses turned out to be right; the man's daughter is a prostitute (in real life the actress playing her is Ray Winstone's daughter btw). So, no surprise there, and adding to that there is a lot going on that's going nowhere or feels rather pointless (the other - younger - prostitute and her pimp, a pursuit in the streets, the wife discovering the man's secret visits). I guess it's all supposed to be a little off beat somehow, but this 'construction' didn't work for me - except the aforementioned scenes between Winstone and Graveson, which make for most of 'Everything'.

In the end it all feels somewhat inane, but the acting and dialogues got me through quite it easily.

Things people don't think about or know about

[henry-429-883632 · 7/10 · 29 November 2013]

I was recently involved in an online discussion about prostitution - despite never having visited one or knowingly talked to anyone in this line of work.

People can't get their ideas straight about the subject. There is societies apparent contempt for the profession (mixed with great interest).

Then there is the idea that the nature of the work is necessarily going to ruin a woman's emotional world. Of course - there are a number of other things that could ruin someone's life - the profession's link with drugs, the contempt of the world, the uneasy interactions with the police. Is it the job itself or the associated life that is so hard?

Just once in a while someone like Belle du Jour speaks - usually as anonymously as possible - about actually enjoying the job. They know exactly what people's attitudes are going to be if they own up to having enjoyed it... So it takes some courage to say.

But when discussing paid sex-work, the question always comes up: what if your mother, sister or daughter were a prostitute? All these questions are worth looking into, yet you'll seldom see them explored in such a good film.

Slight spoiler: ---------------

The 'twist' - some claim to have seen this coming a mile off (have you noticed there's often a film buff who claims to have "guessed the twist"?) I saw it clearly only a short while before all was revealed - as the client's plan took shape - it was very moving, as is the moment when he finally gains Naomi's trust

Rainy Nights in Soho

[Ali_John_Catterall · 8/10 · 25 August 2005]

For those of us who continue to wave the flag for British cinema, perennially undermined by poor scripts or craven overtures to the States, maintaining such respect is very often like trying to love a puppy that keeps crapping on the duvet. So it's a joy when you stumble across a no-budget homegrown sporting great writing, even better performances – and which doesn't compromise to anyone. Winstone is the mystery john who visits Naomi the prostitute (a terrific debut from Graveson) over 9 consecutive days (the film was shot in 9 days too), without once soliciting sex. He just wants to talk; to find out why she does what she does. On the penultimate day, he even brings a Monopoly set round. If the climax doesn't come as a surprise exactly, the emotional impact remains intact, aided by heartfelt, beautifully understated performances from the cast, including Winstone's real-life daughter. See it.

quickly becomes commonplace

[didi-5 · 1 November 2004]

Just back from seeing this low-budget UK film, written and directed by Richard Hawkins and starring Jan Graveson as Naomi (a prostitute in a dirty room in London) and Ray Winstone as Richard (a mysterious character who only wants to visit Naomi to talk, play cards and ask questions).

Filmed in very dark and cramped conditions, 'Everything' is claustrophobic and seedy from the start, but starts with much more potential than it actually fulfils. I could see the 'twist' coming from a long way away, although I can't fault the central characterisations of performances of Winstone and Graveson. It could have just been a little bit more off the wall than it is.

EvErYtHiNg Is NoThInG!!!!!!

[dilbertsuperman · 1/10 · 18 February 2006]

An overweight man with a Don Johnson beard is our main character, he's unfortunate to look at. He looks up a hooker who is worn out looking and must be pushing 40 if not already hurdled past. They sit together in a crappy run down apartment, and he asks her creepy questions but won't have sex with her. Since this is pretty psychotic it creeps her out- OK.. we get that in the first 5 minutes.. where is the rest of the idea? It promptly falls flat on its' face after delivering the idea and the only tool it has left is boredom and lack of action as a clumsy attempt at building suspense.

After 7 minutes you go.. OK does anything ever happen in this piece of crap? Well.. you will be waiting for half an hour before any skin presents itself and be promptly let down directly after. And so we plod through this trash. The hooker has a very interesting body- it is quite athletic, almost to the point of androgyny, but she has a butter face. Her body is hot but her face...

So you would expect either sex or violence in large quantities to present themselves but it just kind of bumbles along in a mind numbing lack of action and lack of any sort of plot development.

This video will be a great joke to play on someone- tell them it is the sexiest most mind blowing heart pounding movie. They will hate you forever because this is anything but!!!!!!!!!!

As Rick James said- I wish I had me 4 hands so I could give it four thumbs down!

Slow Burner

[pbowyer-1 · 8/10 · 3 April 2006]

This is not, as some would have you believe, a skin flick just because a hooker is one of the two main characters, It's a great atmospheric work that would make a really interesting stage play as only two sets are required. Made for a budget of £50,000 (which would not cover the Catering Budget of most movies) Ray Winstone did this for free just because he loved the script you cant get much higher praise than that ! I viewed this a couple of days after seeing him in "The Proposition" and for me confirms his status as a Clint Eastwood for our generation who seems to constantly improve the depth of his performances. Jan Gravesen the female lead was equally impressive, as I have not previously seen her in anything, at some points I felt she may actually have been in this line of work at some time ..

A solid 8/10

Lacks Everything Except Good Performances

[Theo Robertson · 5/10 · 25 May 2015]

A middle aged man called Richard visits a prostitute called Naomi . He doesn't want sex and Naomi is unsure what he does want . Richard visits her again and his visits become more and more frequent

The only real reason I watched this was because it was a relatively old film from just over ten years ago starring Ray Winstone , an actor who no matter what he appears in always seems to be playing a London geezer called Ray Winstone but the guy is one of the most likable actors in Britain and if he was reading out his shopping list I'd still watch him

EVERYTHING is written and directed by Richard Hawkins and this was his debut feature and since then hasn't made another feature . It's hardly surprising because this type of film , a sort of cross between plot less realist cinema and grief porn was and still is churned out by British independent cinema and there's nothing to really set it out from this type of very limited market and has that sort of uncinematic feel that goes with the territory . . In fact in many ways it feels like a slightly more gritty version of EASTENDERS with a couple of characters sitting in a room getting more and more miserable and angry at the world . To be fair both Winstone and Jan Graveson are very good in their roles of Richard and Naomi but apart from that I can barely remember anything about it having just seen it

An excellent film which makes you think

[bryansmf · 9/10 · 10 March 2006]

I really enjoyed this film and the acting was brilliant throughout with some outstanding performances. The storyline is completely original and excels by not allowing the plot to grind to a halt. Ray winstone as always is excellent and proves what a versatile actor he is by playing this role. His daughter's role is executed well and I believe she is destined for better things. Gritty in places and all in all a very good film which deserves to be seen by anyone who likes a drama with some substance behind it. Even though the film is about prostitution this is not portrayed in a gratuitous way so anyone looking for that should go elsewhere. The actress playing the ageing prostitute plays it to amazing effect and her role is kept fresh and you feel like you are sitting in the room with them as the film evolves.

Very Slow

[cradun · 1/10 · 2 May 2010]

I found this low budget film very slow and after about the first 20 minutes I didn't know where it was going. Getting to the anti-climax was a drawn out process. As for the ending of the film it leaves you and the characters up in the air and you have to do your own film making. If you can put up with the cockney accents, the butchering of the Queen's language and wondering where this is all going after the first half of an hour you may enjoy the film. A bit of a let down but then what do you expect for nine(9) days of filming and a budget of $47,500.00. Think of an Easter egg and when you break it that is what this film is really about. "NOTHING!"

riveting

[voren · 8/10 · 17 June 2005]

I'm just home from seeing this film at Sydney's Film Festival (2005) and have to say I was very impressed. It was especially rewarding to have the director (Richard Hawkins) in attendance for Q&A after the film.

The performances were captivating, the suspense was just right (you never lost interest but weren't overly stressed either) and the setting utterly believable. (NB: the locations were real, not sets).

The two main characters, although unusual, were validated by excellent dialogue and acting (Winstone and Graveson). And the story was interesting and very moving.

I always think the measure of a good film is when I'm not aware of the audience or the chair I'm sitting in. I'm happy to say I was oblivious to both.

On the downside, various jerky zooms reminded me that there was actually a camera involved and prevented complete immersion in the story outside of the storytelling. But it is nevertheless astonishingly impressive to see what a small budget ($47,500) and an enthusiastic writer/director can achieve in a 9 day shoot!

The whole thing

[jotix100 · 8/10 · 15 September 2009]

When Richard arrives at Naomi's door, we figure he is a shy man that wants to have sex with her, yet, all he wants to do is talk. This strange behavior, does not not prepare us for what Richard's real intentions are. In fact, he turns into a pest, as far as Naomi is concerned. Of course, she does not mind the easy money she gets from this weird man.

Little by little, things about Richard are revealed. The first one is that he is a cop. The other one is that his wife, who appears to be a bitter woman herself, realizes that her husband is not merely working overtime, he is involved in what she thinks is just having sex with a prostitute. It is not hard to put two and two together; there are credit card and checks statements that speak loudly about Richard's activities.

We get to know the real purpose of the policeman's visits to Naomi and how he gets her to tell him about her trade secrets. Deep down Richard is a man that is carrying a horrible burden inside his heart. What he has really come for, comes out in the open when he takes Naomi with him to a hotel room where another woman, a prostitute has been summoned. In the end, Richard is grateful for all he has learned from Naomi.

This intense British film, written and directed by Richard Hawkins came out of nowhere. We had no idea what it was about, but it paid handsomely in the resulting drama. Mr. Hawkins achieves a claustrophobic atmosphere in the film. After all, it basically takes place in the room Naomi uses for business purposes.

Ray Winstone is nothing short of sensational in his take of Richard. He makes a good impression as the tormented individual in search of answers for the tragedy of his life. Jan Graveson does a fantastic job as the tired woman that has seen better years. Since prostitution is the only thing she knows best, she has to survive by selling herself to anyone, even seeing someone like Richard. This is basically a two character film in that the two principals are always on camera. What appears to be like improvisation must have taken the director and the stars a lot of work to achieve, and yet, the interaction comes easily between them.

An interesting film that will pay off by staying close to what is really going on.

Rainy Nights in Soho

[Ali_John_Catterall · 8/10 · 25 July 2010]

For those of us who continue to wave the flag for British cinema, perennially undermined by poor scripts or craven overtures to the States, maintaining such respect is very often like trying to love a puppy that keeps crapping on the duvet. So it's a joy when you stumble across a no-budget homegrown sporting great writing, even better performances – and which doesn't compromise to anyone.

Winstone is the mystery john who visits Naomi the prostitute (a terrific debut from Graveson) over 9 consecutive days (the film was shot in 9 days too), without once soliciting sex. He just wants to talk; to find out why she does what she does. On the penultimate day, he even brings a Monopoly set round.

If the climax doesn't come as a surprise exactly, the emotional impact remains intact, aided by heartfelt, beautifully understated performances from the cast, including Winstone's real-life daughter. See it.

An acting performance without equal?

[trimmerb1234 · 8/10 · 2 September 2007]

An absolutely uncanny performance from Jan Graveson as the Soho prostitute - her character, way of looking, her walk, her movements, facial expressions, tone of voice and the thoughts these implied were uncannily realistic. Her dialogue was so natural - her reaction to her oddly motivated and persistent client, her wariness that he might be violent and her irritation at some of his questions - that many lines could be anticipated before they were spoken. The pacing too was perfect - long pauses when she had to consider something, instant responses when she reacted instinctively. How much was owed to the writer-director is impossible to know from simply viewing the film. As a portrayal it was absolute perfection 10/10.

Great Cinema

[Anyanwu · 9/10 · 17 June 2006]

This film was great because the story was great and the two principal actors gave excellent performances. The core of the film is not about Richard but about Naomi. Richard provides the back story, or 2nd story, but the primary story is Naomi. The story is summed up in a nutshell on Naomi's face the last night that she is with Richard. The film moves from Naomi's "professional facade" uncaring and detached to one of openness and caring. As Naomi spends time with her young prostitute friend it provides her a path on which to walk toward a new openness. The soundtrack is great and the script is sharp. Using available light and many times a hand-held camera Richard Hawkins fashioned a great piece of cinema. Do yourself a favor and see this film. Then ask yourself why can't their be films like this in the U.S.? Save for Brokeback Mountain, small stories with few characters can be as entertaining and enlightening as big productions. The filmmaker of Everything made a great film.

It's not clear what Richard wants, only what he doesn't want.

[steve-wilcox-2 · 8/10 · 1 February 2011]

This is a tense and intelligent film that deals with a difficult subject. It gives a realistic portrayal of a sex workers life as she comes into contact with Richard played by Ray Winstone. He is deeply troubled by something he won't or can't reveal, but he persists regardless of the cost to himself. She can only reply with the manners and behaviours of her trade. A very uneasy alliance develops which refreshingly avoids the usual clichés.

Winstone's character's torment is palpable, its all there under the surface. It takes a while for the point of the plot to emerge but its worth the wait. There is a sub-plot however that doesn't quite resolve adequately. Generally dark and claustrophobic in tone it is leavened with earthy humour. A good solid independent film.

beautifully acted film

[willmurphy6663-932-794083 · 8/10 · 30 January 2011]

This story contains two principle actors and most of the film is them in conversation. if you like action films you will not like this, if you like films with emotional content, as the focus then this is your type of film. the actors are very good, the script is very good and film works, i believed it and i found it enjoyable to watch. the film has no gratuitous sex and is about relationships, life and the scrapes we get into...i would give it a watch. Ray Winston and Jan Graveson are cast well. Some people will hate the film for being slow especially at the start (and i have seen that on some of the reviews) but as i said it is a relationship based film..and relationships are slow at the start!

Very lucid

[Mattbloxham-938-311124 · 8/10 · 30 January 2011]

This film is one which some will find slow, some will find pointless and others will walk away confused. at first i found myself intrigued, if a little baffled. by the end i was moved and for all the right reasons.

It's no blockbuster, but, if you like films that in no way hold back on realism then you'll possibly like this. The narrative is slow, although if you're into subtlety and human dynamics then you won't be disappointed with this work.

The acting, photography, vernacular and context of the work is awesome - even down to the intimacy of the Foley.

it may make you uncomfortable, it will make you think and it'll give you a very emotive insight into a subject that is often used far too dramatically and for all the wrong reasons.

i loved it and hope you take the time to enjoy it also.

My take on "Everything (2004)"

[danielrichardsearle · 8/10 · 29 January 2011]

This film shows the great potential of a young director. Forget Hollywood blockbusters, CGI or impressive animations. This is as raw as it will get. The dialogue between a handful of simple characters, overtones a greater holistic complexity. Written in an uncomfortable and unfamiliar manner was something that I found intriguing, rather than being worthy of criticism. An original perception of a potentially real situation crafted through sharp editing, key elements of emotional acting and strategic camera shots echo genius. Watch the film, and be patient in its development. If you read the review and think "what is this guy talking about", watch it again and put yourself in the shoes of the character that Ray Winstone plays, not a passive observer watching a film.