Aye, but they both came out in a similar period of British cinema, when Guy Richie films were considered cool. For that, they'll always be linked in my mind, It inspired alot of poorer imitators, Lock Stock did, but Gangster No.1 really gets to the core of the whole british gangster schtick.
Because it's always been made with American money, and only made because of the lucrative tax breaks and other benefits of filming in Britain in the late 50s, early 60s. What on earth has James Bond got to do with Britain anyway, apart from the one character?
i dont know, i havent seen it. its paul bettany and paul mcguigan though. its the film they did a couple years after gangster. its got willem defoe in and the chick from the croupier in it as well.
In some ways he totally does; fast cars, a lot of women, nice suits and a hectic lifestyle, but on the other hand he is part of a sheer adoration of Queen, Establishment and Country that makes Britain look dated frankly. He's an upper middle class, snobby bastard and a prime example of the Britain which has been left behind. The progress of democracy over the years breaking down rigid social mobility and monarchy is taken to the frying pan when you consider Bond.
That's all a little pretentious as reason to take offence, I agree before you point it out, but I think Britain deserves a secret agent worthy of his countries modernity.
Most of what Shane Meadows has done has been excellent, wasn't a fan of Once Upon A Time In Mexico but Dead Mans Shoes, 24/7, This Is England, Somers Town all excellent.
Other notable mentions:
Layer Cake.
Trainspotting.
Lock Stock.
Human Traffic.
From London to Brighton.
The Business.
Sexy Beast.
Gender: Male Location: Outside Olivia Wilde's house.
The Carry On films
Bless This House the Movie
Steptoe and Son
Steptoe and Son Ride Again
Very Important Person
Two Way Stretch
The Fast Lady
Passport to Pimlico
The Ladykillers
The Big Job
The Ghost of St. Michael’s
The Wrong Arm of the Law
Hot Fuzz
Shaun of the Dead
The Wicker Man
The House That Dripped Blood
Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors
From Beyond the Grave
Tales from the Crypt
The 39 Steps
Brief Encounter
The Parole Officer
Trainspotting
The Full Monty
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Shallow Grave
The Business
A Night to Remember
10 Rillington Place
I recommend anyone who likes gritty psychological films to watch The Hide, it's kind of like The Odd Couple meets Deliverance.
Who'd have thought the simple premise of two men in a wooden shack discussing everything from power tools to inappropriate jokes to be so enthralling.
KMC Community Forums
Mar 21st, 2008 07:10 PM
