Young Adam (2003) Young Adam

Young Adam ★★★½ 2003 (NC-17) Writer/director Mackenzie uses the grim backdrop of 1950s Scotland for the richly dark character drama of his second feature. McGregor is Joe, a sexually charged but emotionally and morally devoid transient who finds work, room, and board on a barge owned by Les (Mullan) and his wife Ella (Swinton) who share a loveless marriage. When the body of a young woman washes up and is fished out by the barge-dwellers it sets off various reactions in all three. Joe seduces Ella under the nose of the emotionally repressed Les and a series of flashbacks reveal more about Joe's past and his relationship with Cathie (Mortimer), a young woman who reminds him of the deceased. Moody, noirish and visually engaging with stellar portrayals by all. Based on a novel by Alexander Trocchi. 98m/C DVD. FR GB Ewan McGregor, Tilda Swinton, Peter Mullan, Emily Mortimer, Alan Cooke, Jack McElhone; Director: David Mackenzie; Writer: David Mackenzie; Writer: Giles Nuttgens; Cameo: David Byrne.

At-a-glance
Year Released 2003
Rating NC-17
Length (in minutes) 98
Display Color
Formats DVD
Filmed In France, Great Britain
National Film Registry
Credits
Role Name
Actor Tilda Swinton
Actor Ewan McGregor
Actor Emily Mortimer
Actor Peter Mullan
Actor Alan Cooke
Actor Jack McElhone
Cameo David Byrne
Cinematographer Giles Nuttgens
Director David Mackenzie
Writer David Mackenzie