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Adapted from Laurence Sterne's acclaimed novel Tristram Shandy and directed by Michael Winterbottom, A Cock and Bull Story is a wonderfully eccentric slice of British comedy. Notoriously impossible to film due to its rambling style, affection for digression and its often surreal depictions (meaning that by the end of the book Shandy still hasn't moved past talking his birth), Winterbottom has taken an equally innovative approach to this absurd narrative.

Steve Coogan stars both as Shandy, recounting his life in the 18th century, and as himself � an actor in the present day, as he attempts to bring a classic novel to the big screen. In a well-observed and witty account, we learn of the pitfalls faced by those in the film business, as Coogan tackles issues both of a professional and personal nature, often with hilarious results. Rob Brydon acts as Coogan's foil, both as Captain Toby Shandy from the novel and as himself.

The film also works on a third level, with Brydon forming a double act with Coogan to play exaggerated versions of their real selves. It is in such scenes that the film merges seamlessly (like a faux fly-on-the-wall documentary) between on-set pieces, the actors as themselves, and the actors playing out their alter-egos. The camera moves from being observant, to being a visible part of a scene, to an invisible eye catching every drama on a film set apparently filled with prima donnas.

A Cock and Bull Story is probably most like an anarchic Monty Python film, where the limits of artistic licence are rewritten. Coogan comes in and out of character as Shandy in a surreal monologue where he is often at one minute part of the action, the next talking straight to camera, only to turn and begin a conversation with a five-year-old version of himself.

As their pseudo-selves Coogan and Brydon steal the film, ridiculing themselves as vein and egotistical actors of mediocre talent. In the end the story of Tristram Shandy takes back seat compared to the on-screen genius of these two comedians.

An array of stars has been gathered for a priceless litany of cameos, including Stephen Fry, Gillian Anderson, Terry Gilliam, Ronnie Ancona, David Walliams, Dylan Moran, Shirley Henderson and James Fleet. It's refreshing to see a distinct lack of ego at work here; the stars are all perfectly willing to parody themselves as well as others, especially Coogan, who often takes a swipe at his own misfortunes to gain a laugh. Indeed, he brilliantly exploits the fact that his Alan Partridge character has become something of a noose about his neck, as we witness members of the press desperately plying him for just one more "Aha!"

The audience at the film's London Film Festival premiere were treated to a brief Q&A with Coogan and Brydon after the film. Coogan admitted that despite the off-the-cuff style, very little of the film's dialogue was improvised and most was scripted, an admission which does take away from the film's supposedly anarchic rhythms. Coogan was also humble enough to admit that his and Brydon's characters' flaws were most certainly based on their own short-comings and magnified.

Brydon sets the screen alight with his spot-on impressions (mostly of Coogan) and the sheer variety of talent on offer here ensures something for everyone, even if the frequent in-jokes could be lost on some. Gillian Anderson does an impeccable job as real A-list star material, and is more than able to hold a straight face amongst all the absurdity running riot around her. A Cock and Bull Story is a fantastically funny movie for Coogan and Brydon fans, who ultimately put on a two-man show for most of the film, and is a fine example of what Steve Coogan is capable of when he's not busy running around with Jackie Chan.

DVD Special Features: 
� Complete Tony Wilson interview with Steve Coogan
� Deleted scenes
� Scene extensions
� Behind the scenes footage
� Audio commentary with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon
� Premiere footage
� Theatrical trailer