- guardian.co.uk, Monday May 19 2003 10.40 BST
An adaptation of Scottish writer Alexander Trocchi's loosely autobiographical novel, Young Adam demonstrates a thematic aspiration and sureness of tone that remains rare in British film-making. Director David Mackenzie has managed to rescue a neglected literary classic, identify himself with a modish cultural outlaw and find a way to challenge an increasingly conservative British film-making establishment. He is also lucky to have found a role for Ewan MacGregor that plays to the actor's strengths. Here MacGregor plays bargehand Joe - a cipher of a character who rarely articulates motivation or desire, but who acts as a catalyst to those around him.
First seen pulling a corpse out of the Clyde river with garrulous bargemaster Les (Peter Mullan), Joe begins an affair with Les's dour wife Ella (Tilda Swinton). Emily Mortimer plays his ex-girlfriend, and has to suffer some undignified scenes. But the complicated narrative is knitted together so astutely that none of the excellent supporting cast are left exposed. One that all concerned should be proud of.
