A complete history of my sexual failures
Director: Chris Waitt
Cert: 18
Time: 1 hr 33 mins
Whether through self pity or fear that he was in danger of spending the rest of his life as a lonely loser, Chris Waitt’s unremitting documentary is by turns hilarious and rather sad. His film is a quest to track down his ex-girlfriends to find out why they all dumped him and it doesn’t take long for a recurring theme to emerge.
The film begins with a bumbling quest to track down those who are prepared to talk to him. This and the conversations with his down to earth mother are wonderful. The interest rises as we get to meet those who are prepared to talk and one is struck by the fact that nearly all his past girlfriends are attractive, bright and remarkably well adjusted. You have to give him credit for persuading them to go out with him but here the plaudits end as the interviews offer up a cringe making dissection of his many character failings.
Concurrent with his “research” he also tries to strike up new relationships, to see whether he can apply the lessons learned and become “a better person”. This too is hilarious and particularly his trip to see Mistress Maisie.
Never have I known anyone open themselves up to such mental and physical ridicule. If this film is a hit, Chris Waitt deserves his success.
4/5
CA
