Choke (2008) DVD

Chuck Palahniuk has always erred on the sarcastic side of sinister. Whether it’s Brad Pitt kitted out in nothing but yellow rubber gloves or rumours that Palahniuk’s much- maligned but uproariously funny sophomore novel Invisible Monsters is to be made into a movie, he has never exactly been short of luck when it comes to adaptations of his work.

Choke then comes as a nervy little surprise. Sam Rockwell takes the lead as Victor Mancini – failed medical student, sexual vulture and conman extraordinaire – trawling sex-addiction groups for action while attempting to support an Alzheimer’s-addled mother (a superbly doddery turn from Anjelica Huston).

Rockwell shines like a grubby diamond in this super-smart satirical vat of human despair. Sarcasm and bloke-orientated meanderings take hold as lives converge and minds unravel.

A hearty film that is difficult to digest, Choke might not be a box office bruiser like Fight Club but its lo-fi quirks leave a welcoming and decidedly meaty aftertaste.

Craig Driver