I was surprised that I had not heard of Paul Raymond until now despite being the richest man in England. Perhaps because he was not a famous author or a monarch that I did not know of him. The film is further proof that there is a lot of money to be made in porn. You do need a certain business skill to be able to make it work but there is always the same downsides. The film is interesting and does have an entertaining quality, even if it follows the same plot of every other film that involves people in the porn industry. You must give Paul credit for being able to get as rich as he did despite some of the prudish rules he had to follow. This one is a little bit different in so far as Paul's own daughter got involved in the industry as well. There are a few plot holes and some characters disappear without any acknowledgement. It is also one of the most conventional films that Michael Winterbottom has directed.
The story of Paul Raymond has been a passion project for Steve Coogan for a while, and you can easily see why. He gets to play around with lots of beautiful women. But it also gives him the chance to play a more serious dramatic role. Steve does an excellent job and has a very commanding presence that carries the film well. It is the type of story that lets him be funny while also be serious as well. Anna Friel is excellent as Paul's first wife Jean. Even if she does what all other wives do in this situation. Imogen Poots is delightful as Paul's daughter Debbie. She might not be doing many delightful things but she still comes across as very sweet. There is also an excellent cameo appearance by David Walliams as a priest. What I found most funny was David's 'Little Britain' partner Matt Lucas gets promoted as being in the film as well, but his role is a only a blink and you'll miss it 10 second appearance.
An entertaining look at one of the richest people in Britain. Even if it is the same as many other films about the porn industry.
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