Rik Mayall Presents: The Big One (1995)

Rik Mayall Presents: The Big One Poster

Rik Mayall plays an estate agent who takes on the identity of a dead gangster.

Introduction
"Rik Mayall Presents: The Big One" is a British tv movie that was very first aired in 1995 as part of a series of standalone stories including comic and actor Rik Mayall. Each episode in the series provided a different story with Mayall in various functions, showcasing his flexibility as a star. "The Big One" is known for its dark comedic components and satirical take on the world of criminal offense writing and literature, with Mayall playing the function of a struggling writer who becomes embroiled in a series of unreasonable and unsafe scenarios.

Plot Synopsis
The film centers around the character Michael Rimmer, played by Rik Mayall, who is a failing criminal offense author with aspirations of ending up being a well-known writer. His life takes a significant turn when he discovers that the events from his unpublished latest unique, titled "The Big One", are being mirrored in reality with real criminal activities being dedicated. The crimes in concern duplicate the fictional heists he penned in the book, leading Rimmer to confusion and intrigue.

As the occasions unfold, Rimmer ends up being included with the real-life wrongdoers who have actually been utilizing his book as a blueprint for their nefarious activities. He is both flattered and horrified that his literary development has generated authentic criminal success. The gang of thieves sees in him the ideal accomplice due to his unexpected understanding of their next relocation, though Rimmer has a hard time to manage the truth of the criminal world versus his own perception as a simple author.

Rimmer's participation deepens as he is drawn even more into the criminal underworld, creating a blend of comedic scenarios and tense drama. His relationships are checked, and he must navigate the treacherous course between being an obedient person and an accomplice to wrongdoers. The climax constructs as both the authorities and the gangsters close in, eager to make use of Rimmer's unique insight into 'The Big One' - the supreme heist his book prophesied.

Themes and Satire
The film satirizes the romanticized idea of criminal offense in literature, satirizing the clichés of the crime-writing category and the concept that a life of criminal activity could ever be as captivating or easy as it is typically illustrated in novels. Mayall's representation of Michael Rimmer embodies this review, as his character naively admires crime fiction and discovers himself hilariously out of his depth when confronted with the real thing.

Furthermore, "The Big One" addresses themes of identity, aspiration, and the blurred line in between fiction and truth. Rimmer's battle to be taken seriously as a writer and his desperation to attain acclaim leads him to a moral crossroads when his dreams come to life. The film explores the consequences of what takes place when one's creations are no longer in their control, analyzing the effects of art on life and vice versa.

Efficiency and Reception
Mayall's performance is marked by his signature energy and comical timing, bringing the character of Michael Rimmer to life with a frenzied and clueless charm that is both capitivating and laughable. His commitment to the role showcases his variety as an actor beyond the slapstick comedy that he was frequently known for.

"The Big One" was favored for its dark humor and satirical edge. It contributed to the series' success, with audiences enjoying the various aspects of Mayall's acting throughout the different episodes. Critics praised the film for its smart writing and Mayall's efficiency, which combined to develop a comedic yet thought-provoking viewing experience.

Conclusion
"Rik Mayall Presents: The Big One" stands apart as an amusing blend of funny and police procedural that belonged of Mayall's diverse body of work. Through the lens of the unlucky Michael Rimmer, the film delivers a story that is as unreasonable as it is engaging, leaving audiences with a humorous yet critical reflection on the categories it parodies.

Top Cast

  • Rik Mayall (small)
    Rik Mayall
    Lewis Fox
  • Philip Gough
    Leon
  • Saffron Burrows (small)
    Saffron Burrows
    Jules
  • Paul Barber (small)
    Paul Barber
    Security guard
  • Phyllis Logan (small)
    Phyllis Logan
    Mrs Wilde
  • Phil Daniels (small)
    Phil Daniels
    Miles
  • Cal Macaninch (small)
    Cal Macaninch
    Jeff
  • Edward Tudor-Pole (small)
    Edward Tudor-Pole
    Peter McCrane
  • David Sibley (small)
    David Sibley
    John Wilde
  • Jane Bancroft
    Dream Girl (uncredited)