Sundance 2008

A Complete History of My Sexual Failures

 (Documentary -- United Kingdom)

Having been cut loose by his latest g.f. after just three weeks, scruffy thirtysomething man-boy Waitt -- perpetually unshaven, dressed like a teenager, sporting blond locks that aim for Cobain but look more like homeless Prince Valiant -- decides he should make a film examining of his quantity-high, quality-low romantic history. Calling a long list of exes, he's surprised the vast majority refuse to participate.

After long-suffering mom Hilary digs up variably fond, pleading and furious old love letters (none of which he answered), it becomes clear why he's left a wide swath of scorched dating earth: Waitt is terminally late, oblivious and immature. Girlfriends who do consent to talk (some only because mom asked) are variably amused and appalled to find he's just as clueless and exasperating as they'd remembered. After absorbing considerable negative analysis, he decides what his problem is: He must habitually date crazy women.

Waitt creates a MySpace page to attract new prospects, the most memorable being from "Mistress Maisie," a dominatrix with her own dungeon. She decides what he needs is some harsh punishment for his crimes against womanhood, which leads to hijinks more hilarious and harrowing than Steve Carell's chest waxing in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin."

Another new frontier is attempting to deal with an erectile problem, which also ends in extreme fashion.

Waitt finally screws up courage to see Vicki, whom he identifies as the love of his life. Inconveniently, she's in a new relationship, and pregnant.

A comedy of humiliation and haplessness -- with a happy ending of sorts -- "Complete History" shows Waitt willing to appear a complete (though endearing) ass, perhaps because he's got no real self-awareness. However, his moronic Brit-Tommy Chong reaction shots are so perfect, and the film so brightly assembled, that regardless of all outside editorial input, one guesses he's not quite as dumb as he acts. Soft-pedaled here is the fact that he's directed several prize-winning shorts; not mentioned at all are prior acting gigs including a sizable role in last year's smash "Hot Fuzz." Since any deception in "History" is at his own hilarious expense, docu "ethical" considerations do not arise.

Lensing is rough 'n' ready, complete with variable focus, which only adds to the genius-homemovie vibe. Pace is snappy, soundtrack full of good alt-rock cuts.

Camera (color, HD), Steven Mochrie; editors, Chris Dickens, Mark Atkins; music supervisor, Phil Canning; sound (Dolby Digital), Stuart Burroughs, Cameron Mercer, Richard Paterson. Reviewed at Sundance Film Festival (competing), Jan. 19, 2008. Running time: 90 MIN.