Shallow Grave [1994]

The lowdown: 'Shallow Grave' is best described as a black comedy/thriller, and is the first feature film that was
directed by Danny Boyle. It stars Christopher Eccleston as chartered accountant David Stephens, Ewan McGregor
as journalist Alex Law and Kerry Fox as a doctor, Juliet Miller. The three are good friends and share a large flat
in Edinburgh. The film opens with them seeking a new flatmate, and after rejecting a number of candidates, they
eventually allow Hugo to rent the fourth bedroom. However, when Hugo suddenly dies the three friends discover
that he had a suitcase with a large amount of cash. Rather than reporting the death to the police, they decide
to keep the money and dispose of Hugo's body, drawing straws to decide which of them gets to cut up his corpse.

Life goes on for the three friends, apart from the ocassional visit from the police and some rather nasty associates
of Hugo who come looking for Hugo and the money. The thugs break into their flat and are quickly disposed of,
but the strain of recent events begins to affect the relationship between David, Alex and Juliet. David in particular
undergoes a change in personality; he was once the quiet, retiring member of the threesome, but post-traumatic
stress disorder takes hold and he begins to behave strangely, hiding the suitcase in the loft and taking to living
up there (and drilling holes in the ceiling so he can watch his friends). The three soon turn on each other, and
a bloody confrontation ensues when David tries to leave with the money.

While Ewan McGregor (in his first major film role) and Kerry Fox are excellent, Christopher Eccleston steals
the film with his performance as the seemingly mild-mannered and sensible accountant who becomes rather
unbalanced after being forced to cut up a body and bury it in the woods (and who wouldn't!). 'Shallow Grave'
is a great low-budget thriller that rightly won many awards, including a BAFTA and the International Fantasy
Film Award. It is highly recommended.

Quote:
David: If you want to talk to my girlfriend you talk to me first. If you
want to dance with her, then you apply in writing three weeks in
advance or you're going to end up inside a fucking bin-bag. You
didn't apply so you don't dance.