The arrogant actor Steve Coogan is playing the eponymous role in an adaptation of “The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman” which is being filmed at a stately home. He constantly quarrels with actor Rob Brydon, who is playing Uncle Toby and believes his role to be of equal importance.

How do you adapt an unfilmable novel? If you’re Michael Winterbottom, you film yourself filming it! This ferociously clever comedy, with terrific chemistry from Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, shows that life, like a film shoot, cannot be controlled—but can be hilarious if you keep a proper distance.