First off, I've got to say, this movie is my fucking favourite movie of all time! If your watching the trailer above don't be mislead by the casino like music. This is no comedy. Its dark. Dark and disturbing as hell. Watching it is, quite frankly , like going into the mind of a sadistic psychopath. The story is as such, it starts in the present day of 1999 of that time and shows Malcolm McDowell as the unnamed Gangster. He finds out that his mentor, Freddie Mays (David Thewlis) is getting released from prison. Malcolm McDowell brings us back to 1969 where he narrates the story of the then young Gangster (Paul Bettany) and his rise to power where he is.
The plots simple enough but the characters are complex. The relationship between Freddie and the Gangster is thrilling to watch as well as understanding the Gangsters persona. After watching I found myself taking his character apart, trying to figure out bits and pieces. Until today.
The one ilk I had with the film was that I thought whenever McDowell came on screen, his acting seemed a bit over the top and forced. But as a narrator, he was fucking brilliant. Every line, you could hear the madness in it. Even if McDowell is the main star, Bettany steals the show with his stellar performance. Acting is all in the eyes. Seriously, when I was watching this film, it was the only time that I was truly freaked out by a movie character. Paul Bettany just nails it. If Paul Bettany with a hatchet, bursts through my door, I would have shit my pants, I kid you not. Why he wasn't nominated for an Oscar I'll never know.. Paul Thewlis also showed some brilliant acting as well as Saffron Burrows as Karen, Freddie's girl friend.
Well, you'd have to say that my favourite scene was the part where the Gangster watches as Lenny's thugs ambush Mays and his girlfriend. Gleefully watching by the sidelines as McDowell narrates sadistically. Another favourite of mine is when the Gangster finally takes Freddie's empty seat on the couch while hailing, 'The King is Dead. Long live the King'. And of course, the scene where the Gangster kills Lenny all shown through Lenny's POV. You can almost feel the agony of each blow and stab.
Watch the video above to understand what I meant by McDowell doing a fucking brilliant narrating and Paul Bettany doing some serious acting. The scene where the Gangster kills Lenny.
Favourite quote: 'What do you take me for? A fucking cunt?' said by Malcolm McDowell while breaking the fourth wall.
The film received very little recognition as it was only released in very very limited cinemas. Try and track this fine piece of film down and you will not be disappointed.
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