JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonSexy Beast (2000)-Footage Included
January 1st 2007 03:20
Sexy Beast
Warning: Quotes from the film will probably offend.
DVD Cover
Writer:Louis Mellis & David Scinto
Starring:Ben Kingsley, Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, Amanda Redman, Robert Atiko
Rated:MA
“What you think this is the wheel of fortune? You think you can make your dough and fuck off? Leave the table? Thanks Don, see you Don, off to sunny Spain now Don, fuck off Don. Lying in your pool like a fat blob laughing at me, you think I'm gonna have that? You really think I'm gonna have that, ya ponce. All right, I'll make it easy for you. God knows you're fucking trying. Are you gonna do the job? It's not a difficult question, are you gonna do the job, yes or no?” - Don
Menacing, vicious tension permeates this British Gangster film that serves a side dish of nervous chuckles. Revising the whole old-time-hood-gets-pulled-in-for-one-last-score routine, Sexy Beast is a new perspective on an endlessly recycled fable.
The Cockney crime flick was redefined in the 70’s with Mike Hodges Get Carter. The 80’s saw John McKenzie’s The Long Good Friday, in the 90’s it received a much needed boost with the Guy Ritchie films. At the dawn of the new millennium Sexy Beast and Mike Hodges Croupier (review coming soon) continue the tradition with style and grace.
Kinetic performances locked and loaded with barbed dialogue and shady morality are the essence of this craftily shot and executed thriller comedy.
Sizzling under a hot Spanish sun, gentle giant Gary Dove (Ray Winstone) has fled a life of crime on the grimy streets of London for a hillside European Villa.
Living the good life basking by his swimming pool, his servant boy sweeping up, this one time hood is content and satisfied. With ex stripper DeeDee Dove (Amanda Redman) for a wife and a former colleague, Aitch (Cavan Kendall) living just down the road, Gary’s life is idyllic.
“People say, "Don't you miss it, Gal?" I say, "What, England? Nah. Fucking place. It's a dump. Don't make me laugh. Grey, grimy, sooty. What a shit hole. What a toilet. Every cunt with a long face shuffling about, moaning, all worried. No thanks, not for me." They say, "What's it like, then, Spain?" And I'll say, "It's hot. Hot. Oh, it's fucking hot. Too hot? Not for me, I love it." – Gary
Fatefully, while out fine dining one night, Aitch and his partner burst the bubble with news that Don Logan (Ben Kingsley) is on his way to visit from jolly ole England. Logan, a ruthless and dangerous man wants our boy to do one last heist and never takes no for answer.
“What can I say, Don? I've said it all. I'm retired” – Gary
Shattering the comfortable microcosm on arrival, Logan mercilessly assaults all around him with a barrage of foul mouthed insults and innuendos that grate like fingernails on a chalk board.
“Shut up, cunt. You louse. You got some fuckin' neck ain't you. Retired? Fuck off, you're revolting. Look at your suntan, it's leather, it's like leather man, your skin. We could make a fucking suitcase out of you. Like a crocodile, fat crocodile, fat bastard. You look like fucking Idi Amin, you know what I mean? Stay here? You should be ashamed of yourself. Who do you think you are? King of the castle? Cock of the walk?” - Don
Calculating and cold-blooded, Don mercilessly hounds Gary to take the job and surrender to his will. The stage is set for inevitable confrontation and risk as both men stand by their convictions and refuse to budge.
“Not this time, Gal. Not this time. Not this fucking time. No. No no no no no no no no no! No! No no no no no no no no no no no no no! No! Not this fucking time! No fucking way! No fucking way, no fucking way, no fucking way! You've made me look a right cunt!” – Don
Dont even think about starting a staring competition with me!
John Doe says:
Sexy beast combines a tight and relentless screenplay, gripping performances and captivating visuals that demand and get unblinking attention.
Ratcheting up the suspense to almost intolerable levels and releasing the valve with a spleen of scorching pitch black comedy, this is tough, intelligent entertainment.
The dramatic script is smart and powerful, scathing dialogue flies and the plot twists and turns examining the old chestnut of a story with fresh dimension.
The camerawork makes this low budget film look like they had money to spare and the set ups and movement serve to thrust you deeper into particular moments.
A primary attraction is the volatile chemistry between the blustering Ben Kingsley (Searching for Bobby Fischer, The Assignment, Sneakers, Without A Clue) and the subdued and controlled Ray Winstone (War Zone, Nil By Mouth, Ripleys Game, The Departed).
Oscar Nominated for the role, Ben Kingsley’s unnerving turn inspired me to come home and watch Ghandi after seeing this for the first time. One of the epic examples of how far removed a true actors range can allow them to be from part to part. He dominates this loathsome personality and makes you believe in every word.
Precisely counterbalanced by Ray Winstone, who is usually the alpha male, now a submissive character determined to hold onto to what he has. The verbal confrontation between these two in the kitchen leaves me in awe.
Ian McShane (DeadWood) is head honcho back in the land of tea and crumpets and effortlessly fills the bad mans shoes.
Low on gunplay and heavy in pot boiler anxiety this is a thinking mans tough guy film for those in need of a breath of fresh air.
The DVD:
Transfer:Widescreen 16:9/5.1 Dolby Digital
Extras:Nothing!
The US edition features a worthwhile Commentary with Ben Kingsley and a making of Featurette.
Click below to view the trailer
Warning: Spoiler Footage ahead
Here is a clip of Sir Ben Kingsley cutting loose and be warned it is not for the easily offended.
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Comment by Luke
Book Club
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Thanks for dropping in Luke
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
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Does anyone else think that, when Ben's pacing back and forth, he reminds you of Patrick Stewart on Star Trek?
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Great review! I think I might just have to rent this out again ... or perhaps purchase a fucking copy! YES!!!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I think Sexy Beast will yank you into its menacing world. Kingsley's bald head reminds me of Patrick Stewart and I can see what you mean when he's in psycho mode.
Thanks for the tip of the hat Bryn,
Do find this film has moments of borderline horror? There are suspensful moments in it where I my pulse was going far quicker than in most tradition scare fares.