Charles Swann (Charlie Sheen) is a graphic designer in trouble. Sliding into despair when his girlfriend Ivana (Katheryn Winnick) leaves him, his life spirals out of control. Unsure if he wants her back, his enlists the help of best friend Kirby (Jason Schwartzman) and manager Saul (Bill Murray). Attempting to get his life back on track, what follows is a magical mystery escapade full of past regrets and shady futures.
One of the most self-indulgent films ever made, Charles Swann is often hard-going. Sheen and company appear to have lots of fun with the wacky script but unfortunately, viewing their performances isn’t nearly as good. Using multiple comedic styles, the jokes rarely hit the mark. Only the production design and soundtrack work in this frequently bewildering cascade of sequences.
Blame could be placed at director Roman Coppola’s feet as his direction is unfocussed at best. Revealing little of the talent his famous family have previously displayed, he at least makes the film mercifully short. This is just as well as the slim premise is stretched to breaking point with scenes often making little sense.
Not a particularly auspicious endeavour. Charles Swann’s merits are few. Even its stylised visions aren’t enough to save it with this becoming a lesser item on the production team’s resumes.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Rating out of 10: 2
Out on Blu-ray and DVD 21 August 2013
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