Over the past few months I have seen a number of interesting contemporary films from Great Britain. For example, there’s Green Street Hooligans starring Elijah Wood as a wayward American who gets caught up in the hooligan culture via his sister’s (the always lovely Claire Forlani) husband’s brother. The film glamorizes hooliganism as it tries to condemn it at the same time. A typically mainstream version of hooliganism.
Made In Britain stars a very young Tim Roth as an antisocial skinhead with above average intelligence that is just born bad. A caseworker takes a shine to him due to his intellect, but wastes all the good will as he commits one self-destructive act after another. It is a riveting performance by the young Roth.
I was quite intrigued by Red Road, a Scottish film that is difficult to categorize. At first, it seems to be a film about voyerism, but then the main cahracter, convincngly played by Kate Dickie, inplicates herself in the life of the mysterious man she is observing. It is a film about vengeance, justice, and forgiveness. However, it is a mystery-suspense film as well. I don’t want to give too much away, but it is a film that deals with personal reactions to grief, vengeance, and closure.
I’ve been a fan of the 7 Up series since college, which must have been when I saw 35 Up, because the latest installment is 49 Up. It is fascinating look at socioeconomic class and how it affects people as well as giving the subjects an opportunity for self-introspection that seems to be a burden for some. Whenever I see the series it makes me review my own life. In a sense it was the first reality show since it has been going on for over forty years now. It’s interesting how it sometimes becomes meta as the subjects comment on director Michael Apted, his line of questioning, and the series’ effect on their respective lives.
London To Brighton is another upbeat story about a runaway who accidentally kills her first john and goes on the lam to Brighton from London. There are plenty of unsavory characters including a hard luck prostitute that takes the young girl in under her wing despite her better instincts. It is oddly hopeful in the end after a surprising climax.
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