Reviewed by Janina Conboye
Stars Chris Waitt, Vicky, Julia, Dawn, Dannielle, Za,
Olivia, Lucy, Janet, Charlie, Ziggie, Eirlys,
Charlotte, Alyssa, Angela, Mistress Maisie
Written by Chris Waitt
Certification UK 18
Runtime 90 minutes
Directed by Chris Waitt
When it comes to love, independent filmaker Chris Waitt is nothing short of a dead loss. After countless failed relationships, he decides to find out why all his girlfriends dump him. What is so wrong with him?
The dopey and scruffy Chris is completely clueless, and his ignorance is apparent in that he thinks he can contact all his ex girlfriends without any objections. He soon discovers that it's not so easy: those that do agree are mostly doing it out of curiosity or to tell him what a complete twat he has been.
Even his mother has little sympathy. She and Chris go through his old love letters and one ex- in particular, Olivia, is not impressed by Waitt's lack of effort to respond to her letters and phone calls. His mother certainly understands why her son is having problems when Waitt drafts her in to help clean his disgusting flat.
After several interviews and an attempt to revive his love life with some online dating, Chris starts to make a little progress and certainly becomes more aware of his misgivings. Eventually though hehas to face the biggest failure, the greatest love of his life, his ex fiancé Vicky. She lives with her partner and is expecting a child, but both still have strong feelings for each other. After the comedy that has gone before (it's possibly best seen as a real-life High Fidelity) there is a sense that this interview provides them both with a sense of closure.
A Complete History... is revealing and very funny, and you should be prepared for some cringeworthy moments. Some of Waitt's approaches to his issues (which also include erectile dysfunction) include an S&M session, tantric sex therapy and an experiment with Viagra mixed with a lot of beer. On the flipside there are also tender moments when Waitt finally gets his shit together. Waitt discovers he has been lazy in love and — forgive the typical cliche — needs to grow up.
It's an entertaining documentary but it isn't groundbreaking. Essentially Waitt is prepared to humiliate himself in an attempt to make a film / money and give us a few laughs, which is exactly what we get. Waitt is looking to help himself, but it is not his intention to provide us with an answer to perfect love or relationships. At the end of the day we're all individuals who expect different things.
• Official UK site
• A Complete History Of My Sexual Failures at IMDb