This is a hard watch since Robert Downey Jr.'s make-up is so horrific that one is tempted to keep one's eyes averted; I don't recall the original television serial portraying the writer's ailment so graphically. That apart the film is something of a parson's egg. It was written for the movies by Dennis Potter before his death and the only major difference apart from shortening the tale is that the background fantasy and music have been moved from the 40's to the 50's. So one can't blame Hollywood completely for any failure.
Downey is, as always, pretty good -- if not in this instance totally watchable. Mel Gibson, one of the producers, is nearly unrecognizable in a bald wig playing a doctor. Robin Wright Penn is also masterful in a number of roles. However it might be kind not to mention some of the others in the cast who are well over the top. The musical numbers which are central to Potter's style are variable here from pretty effective to why bother. My verdict: get the DVD of the TV series.
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