Small Time Obsession

As a viewer and fan of international film, it is always interesting to get a taste of the thoughts, lives and passions of individuals from other countries. In `Small Time Obsession' we get this view twofold. Firstly, with the characters being from the streets of London and, secondly, thrown into the mix, the ethnic background of ‘the gang' all having Polish roots via their family backgrounds.

An interesting duality that causes the characters to become ‘caught in the middle', as it were, between old-world ideals and doing what they believe is right in order to get ahead. Situations seemingly which are all too familiar; yet, are handled so differently by each character. Their thoughts, lives and passions are found to be not so different from the rest of us. And, why should they be any different? We just want to see how 'they' handle it, from the comfort of our seats (which we are glued to, by the way).

With proficient and enticing camera work, not only our visual perceptions are heightened but also our relationships with the characters are enhanced. Good solid acting along with a reality-based story really come together well here -- another duality whose synergy flows with the director Piotr Szkopiak's truly perceptive eye. For me, `Small Time Obsession' has the caliber of being a `Big Time Film'.

I look forward to what Piotr Szkopiak has in store for us next.