The Rachel Papers

The first film to be adapted from a Martin Amis novel, this cute film stars Dexter Fletcher as Charles Highway, a super-suave young man studying for his Oxford entrance exams. At a nightclub, he spots Rachel Noyce, played by Ione Skye, and he spends the majority of the film trying to pry her away from her beau. The main problem with this film is that Highway is played too much like Ferris Bueller-he even monologues directly to the camera. The novel's very bleak ending was toned down a bit, and the title is a little misleading, as all of his "female papers" are actually composed on a computer in the film. Jonathan Pryce is hilarious in his fleeting scenes.

Okay-this is definitely trying to parade around as an English Bueller... but the thing is, is that the book is terrific, and if they just stayed on track using what was there it would've been a lot better. Amis must've gotten huge pay dirt to okay the screenplay and help write it. My suggestion- go buy the book, or take the book out from your local library and have a good read. Charles Highway is an irritating character but still quite lovable and the movie does him, nor Rachel (who is actually supposed to be English) no justice. Martin Amis is a talented author, especially in the area of humour, and this movie does not allow for that natural laugh to come through. In many areas it seems like a low rent British "Fast Times" with the characters rolling around on the ground in lousy sex scenes and then stumbling through lines of dialogue as if they had just gotten the script that morning. It is too bad Amis let whatever it is that got in the way of a good film, get in the way of a good film.

A delight indeed, albeit a little dated now. 8 years ago, this was one of those movies I watched every day almost (along with the Breakfast Club) - hey, I was 19. It deals with what the main character calls his "move into manhood" and centres around Dexter Fletchers character and his "love", Ione Skye. Martin Amis' novel of the same title is fairly faithfully painted onto the screen, though with tweaks to bring us from the 60's novel to the 80's movie (i.e. less drugs and sex!). For a British movie, a top cast, excellent acting, memorable script, unusual and racy direction...8/10 today, 10/10 when I was 19!

The Rachel Papers and Sam Malone from Cheers, both responsible for making me the commitment shy man i am today. A film to Live your late teens/early twenties by. Up there with the best 80's teen movies AND its English and set in the greatest city in the world.

This is an excellent movie that appears to have gotten a lot of poor reviews. The performance by Ione Skye is OUTSTANDING. Not only is she beautiful and sexy, she is an excellent actress. And, did I mention that she was beautiful and sexy? Dexter Fletcher (Layer Cake) plays a young man about to enter college who wants some experience with an older woman. He seen Ione Skye (Say Anything...) at a party and puts his step-by-step plan into place. The use of computer to record this may have been innovative at the time, but it is dated and superfluous now. Jonathon Prych (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest) play a crazy brother-in-law and really adds to the film. James Spader plays Rachel's significant other and really didn't add a thing to the film. The beautiful and sexy Skye...Oh, I already said she was beautiful and sexy; I'm getting repetitive...Well, it is 4 am and I've just spent two hours enjoying all she has to offer...really, there is no mystery left...So I'll just say that seeing her is well worth the price oft the show.

This one was an odd, passionate and snappy one, and it's very much more than just a basic teenage love comedy, but it does feel a like a British take on 'Ferris Bueller'. Based on Martin Amis' best seller of the same title, 'The Rachel Papers' is a sensually breezy and topically substantial film adaptation that's poetically told (with plenty of rapid narrative talk to the audience, following the mature progression of our protagonist and cementing a realistic affection between Fletcher and Skye's characters), sharply directed by Damian Harris and terrifically performed by the charmingly gawky Dexter Fletcher, the ravishingly delightful Ione Skye (where she seductively entices the viewer with her beauty) and the scruffy, but useful Jonathan Pryce (who pretty much steals the limelight and well-timed laughs). Also appearing is James Spader, but the role doesn't instill much from him to make an impression. The soundtrack is potent with the time, but the score blends well the drama going on and it's smoothly photographed. A sexy contemporary, but heartfelt feature.

I confess: I only watched this movie because a friend of mine told Ione Skye took her clothes off in it. Well, I may not have watched it with the best intentions, but I ended up liking the movie for a lot more than Ione's breasts. I had a similar relationship at about that time (nerd wins over babe, finds out she's rather annoying) so I could identify with this film. One scene really got to me (in a good way). Rachel has just climbed into a taxi, but the window is down. Charles finally works up the nerve to try to kiss her through the window. Just as his lips are about to meet hers, the cab pulls away. The look on his face is pitiful but then you see her beautiful smile. A magical scene if ever there was one! Oh yeah, Ione Skye DOES take her clothes off repeatedly in this movie, so guys who don't go for this sort of thing might give it a chance and be pleasantly surprised. I was.

Dexter Fletcher stars as Charles Highway. A young man with serious problems with relationships. Until he meets Rachel Noyce(Ione Syke). A sexy, young woman, whose boyfriend is none other than James Spader. Fletcher is adequate in his post 'Lock Stock' career, but the person who steals every scene with his unusual style of comedy, is Jonathon Pryce, as Charles' brother in law, Norman. The story is somewhat predictable in parts, but manages to stay watchable for the entire time. Rating=3/5

This is an excellent movie that is underrated. Performance by Ione Skye is OUTSTANDING. Not only is she beautiful and sexy, this lady is an excellent actress. I look forward to seeing more from her in the future. I highly recommend viewing this film. I am currently looking for a source to purchase it. I think you will be wanting to add it to your library. I know that I want it in mine. I do not recommend this movie for children or young teens. Excellent film for those who like to follow a story line that includes sex, passion, and emotional drama. Those who like a coming of age movie may like this one. Please read these reviews and then comment once you have seen this movie. I would like to read your comments too.

This is one of my favourite movies and I love the music. Plus it's so 80's. I can't think of anything bad to say about it. It's a real shame there's no soundtrack, or none that i can find. Would like to get hold of some of the instrumental moody music, especially the instrumental music at the end when there is a flashback. I'm not sure which of the soundtrack listings it would be. Does anyone know?? I hope someone reads this as I know the movie is quite old now. Here's hoping!!