DIRECTOR: ALAN CLARKE
STARRING: GARY OLDMAN
Alan Clarke’s 1988 film ‘The Firm,’ is one of those deeply British pictures that, reminiscent of gritty American cinema from the 70s, leaves an imprint on viewers for long after the film’s end. Just as ‘Threads,’ showed the world that ‘made-for-TV’ productions can be just as, if not more powerful than theatrical releases, ‘The Firm,’ is a taut, violent and socially poignant short film about soccer hooligans in the midst of an escalating dispute. A picture like ‘The Firm,’ isn’t anything unexpected from Clarke, whose other films include ‘Scum,’ ‘Elephant,’ and ‘Made In Britain,’ all unflinching portraits of British middle class tragedy.
One of ‘The Firm’s main draws for viewers is an insane performance by Gary Oldman, rattling off indecipherable local slang, kicking the shit out of people and downing pints of lager. Oldman plays Bex, captain of the football team, and an undisputed lunatic, thirsty for the blood of a rival team’s captain.
‘The Firm,’ is a hidden gem within both British and gritty cinema. A vulgar sports picture, a vigilante film or one of television’s best dramas, Clarke’s picture delivers a more modern example of Kitchen Sink Realism, with works like Anderson’s ‘This Sporting Life,’ clearly having some slight influence. While sadly Clarke is no longer living, his works have been released in a box set that allows viewers an intimate glimpse into not only British urban life, but one of the most underrated directors of our time. Read an in depth analysis at Seance Of Cinema.
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