A film that should be filed under "great MASH style homage" with a cross-reference to Jarhead and Buffalo Soldiers along the way, Guy X is intimate, quirky and quite moving in a manner the synopsis would never have suggested.

The story revolves around a guy named Rudy Spruance (Jason Biggs) a feckless couldn't care less army grunt who gets transferred to a remote USA army base deep inside the Arctic circle after a big administrative mess-up. And despite Spruances best early efforts he's doomed to be stuck there and instead has to fit in with an assortment of oddballs, an unhinged base commander with only Irene Teal (Natascha McElhone) the base commanders general aide providing any positive romantic diversion. Along the way Spruance stumbles across something he shouldn't (namely the mystery of a man known simply as Guy X) and risks his skin in a search for the truth behind him.

First it it should really be said this film would be an acquired taste for most, structurally the whole thing plays out in a languid manner almost as a nod to the sense of sluggish depression one would feel if actually posted on an Army detail in the middle of nowhere. Its a film full of characters residing on the more extreme spectrum's of humanity, all bored stiff all going bonkers in their own personal way. It makes for some great dark comedy as Bigg's finds himself forced to deal with these nutjobs to avoid becoming one himself. Only McElhone's character acts in any way normal which makes her an excellent calm in the insanity storm. Althou since I think Natascha McElhone is the most beautiful women who has ever lived I'm probably a bit biased in examining the character she played.

The plotline involving the titular Guy X (played by a disfigured Michael Ironside) is intriguing and despite never really going anywhere until near the finish (where its wrapped up in a bittersweet manner) holds the audience interest mainly because you just want to know the secret behind it all.

Biggs deserved to be noticed for this performance, and its a real pity this film never got any sort of USA release (that I know of). He banishes the ghost of Jim with a display that althou briefly veering into stereotype slacker instead ends up a fascinating insight into a man simply trying to stay sane.

Its not a movie for everybody and no doubt alot of people would find its quirks irritating, but for me despite a slightly unfulfilling ending it was a highly enjoyable descent into dark farce. Blame the fact its such a tough sell for its limited release.

A-