PALINDROMES *

No-one could ever accuse Todd Solondz of making 'nice' films. From the very beginning, he has dealt with the harshest of subjects but with what seems like the 'sickest' sense of humor. The sexuality of children is often to the fore with his 'Wiener' films being perhaps the most misanthropic.

"Palindromes" begins with a dedication to the fictional Dawn Wiener but then takes up the story of Aviva, played by a variety of performers of varying ages, both male and female, (you couldn't say Solondz isn't an 'equal opportunities' director), with a series of loosely linked sketches passing for a plot like some kind of warped fairytale. It's certainly original but flimsy and Solondz's cynicism often leaves a very sour taste. Ultimately there isn't much here to get your teeth into and I can't say I really cared for it.