Three Businessmen

Alex Cox is one of Britain's best kept secrets, and this is one of his best movies. In fact I'd probably say it ties with 'Repo Man' as his most consistent and entertaining. 'Three Businessmen' is an absurdist fable that shares some of 'Repo Man's surreal humour. As Cox's production company hints Bunuel is a good reference point, as are the odd stories of Flann O'Brien, Kobo Abe or John Sladek.

The idea is simple - two businessmen, one American, played by Cox regular Miguel Sandoval ('Get Shorty', 'Blow'), and one Englishman (Cox himself) meet in the deserted dining room of an expensive hotel in Liverpool. They chat while waiting for service, and when it looks like that isn't forthcoming, they go on a quest for food. Finding the kitchen deserted, and likewise the rest of the hotel, they venture outside to look for somewhere to eat. And so their "adventure" begins.

They walk, talk, agree, disagree, irritate and bond with each other while never quite getting the meal they desire. Things never go to plan, they get sidetracked, misled, confused, and go up various dead ends and strange situations. While still thinking they remain in Liverpool they end up traveling around the world. A plot description doesn't do this movie justice, the real story is in the telling.

'Three Businessmen' (and yes, there is a third one, eventually) is a wonderfully inventive movie that held me until its unexpected twist ending. It's a real gem, and my admiration for Alex Cox grows with every movie of his I see. He is a true original and we need more film makers like him!