Film Review
Unquestionably the king of British crime thrillers,
Get Carter was something of a
revolution when it blazed onto cinema screens in the UK in 1971.
Coming after a decade in which cinema audiences were offered nothing
but a rose-tinted view of crime, the film broke new ground with its
hard-edged realism and uncompromising depiction of gangland
violence.
In his first film as a director, Mike Hodges skilfully
uses the bleak urban landscape of Newcastle and Gateshead as a backdrop
to a grimly nihilistic drama set in northern England's murky
underworld. Stylishly shot and daring both in its eroticism and
brutality, this film would have a lasting impact on British cinema.
In his most memorable role, Michael Caine plays the avenging angel Jack
Carter with a combination of charm and sadism - a tough cookie, but one
that retains our sympathy in spite of the tough medicine he dishes out
to anyone, male or female, who riles him. Few British actors do
dry sarcasm and moral indignation as effortlessly as Caine and in this
made-to-measure role the actor gives what is assuredly one of his best
performances.
Get Carter was not well received when it was first released,
many critics condemning the film for its explicit violence and
perceived soullessness. However, its standing has improved
greatly over the years and today it is considered one of the best of
British films. The year 2000 saw the release of an American
remake, directed by Stephen T. Kay and starring Sylvester
Stallone. Neither audiences nor critics were impressed by this
uninspired attempt to remake an iconic piece of British cinema.
© James Travers 2009
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Film Synopsis
London-based gangster Jack Carter returns to his home in Newcastle to
attend the funeral of his brother, Frank. The official story is
that Frank Carter died in a car accident whilst heavily intoxicated,
but Jack soon begins to suspect that he was murdered. As he
renews old acquaintances, Jack realises that someone was keen to have
his brother put away. He resolves to find out who, and once he
has solved that little mystery it will be payback time...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.