'A Little Place Off the Edgware Road' (1986) Movie of the Book by Graham Greene

'A Little Place Off the Edgware Road' is a 1986 short film directed by Tim Hewitt, adapted from Graham Greene's 1939 short story of the same name. The film delves into the psychological turmoil of James Craven, portrayed by Paul McGann, a crime fiction writer grappling with writer's block and the haunting memories of his deceased wife and child.

Plot Summary: James Craven is a reclusive author struggling to distinguish between reality and his own fictional creations. Plagued by grief and guilt over the loss of his family, he seeks refuge in local cinemas, immersing himself in films to escape his troubled mind. Despite regular sessions with his therapist (Owen Brenman), Craven's mental state continues to deteriorate, blurring the lines between his imagination and the real world.

One evening, during a Hitchcock film festival at a nearby cinema, Craven encounters a mysterious man whose presence unsettles him deeply. This interaction propels him into a nightmarish journey where he must confront his own fears and the possibility that his fictional narratives are seeping into his reality. As the story unfolds, the audience is left to question whether Craven is a victim of his own mind or if there are supernatural elements at play.

Themes: Blurred Reality: The film explores the thin line between fiction and reality, illustrating how grief and guilt can distort one's perception of the world.

Isolation and Mental Health: Craven's seclusion and deteriorating mental state highlight the profound effects of unresolved trauma and the challenges of coping with loss.

Supernatural Ambiguity: Echoing Greene's original story, the film maintains an eerie atmosphere, leaving viewers uncertain about the nature of Craven's experiences.

Reception: Critics have praised the film for its atmospheric storytelling and compelling performances. Paul McGann's portrayal of Craven has been lauded for capturing the character's complexity and descent into psychological distress. The cinematography effectively uses London's urban landscape to enhance the film's moody and unsettling tone. As noted in a review by Indie Shorts Mag, the film is "thrilling and dramatic in equal measure," with scenes that "merge the dreams and nightmares, the longing and the despair."

Overall, A Little Place Off the Edgware Road offers a haunting exploration of a man's struggle with his inner demons, staying true to the essence of Greene's original narrative while providing a contemporary cinematic experience.