How do you film the unfilmable? That’s the challenge at the heart of Michael Winterbottom’s Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story, a delightfully meta take on Laurence Sterne’s famously chaotic 18th-century novel The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman.
In this week’s episode, the Dads dive into a film that blurs every boundary — between adaptation and behind-the-scenes drama, between actor and character, and between self-awareness and outright parody. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon play heightened versions of themselves, bickering over screen time, wardrobe choices, and (of course) who does the better impressions. Meanwhile, the “film within a film” takes us through absurd historical reenactments, disastrous prop work, and even a giant model womb.
We talk about:
- Why Sterne’s novel was considered “unfilmable” and how the movie leans into that chaos.
- The deliciously petty dynamic between Coogan and Brydon, and how it later set the stage for The Trip.
- Cameos from British comedy royalty — Stephen Fry, Dylan Moran, Mark Williams, David Walliams, and more.
- How the movie juggles philosophical musings, slapstick humour, and industry satire — sometimes all in the same scene.
- Whether the film is more fun to watch or to talk about.
It’s part literary experiment, part farce, and part therapy session for Steve Coogan’s fragile ego. And while Tristram Shandy might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s plenty to chew on — from postmodern storytelling to the sheer joy of watching talented comedians spark off each other.
If you’ve ever enjoyed The Trip, love films about filmmaking, or just want to hear us wrestle with a movie that refuses to play by the rules, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
👉 Listen now and join the debate — is it genius, indulgence, or just a brilliant cock and bull story?
We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com.
Until next time, we remain...
Bad Dads
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