Tuesday 1 February 2011

Brighton Rock

Not many people are saying this at the moment, but let me tell you something. Brighton Rock is a great film. Yes, really.
Opening with a nail-biting fifteen-minute sequence that ramps up the tension as second-rate gangster Pinkie Brown seeks revenge for the murder of his mentor - and gets it in an explosion of stylish cinematography and alarming editing - the film never quite settles, constantly keeping you in a state of fear about what Pinkie might do next.

And he could do anything, because he's a complete psychopath. Portrayed brilliantly by one of Britain's greatest actors, Pinkie is a monstrous creation. He doesn't drink, smoke or eat chocolate, emphasising his inability to take pleasure in anything, even love - although it's clear he's incapable of and disgusted by the very notion, as evinced by the slightest flaring of his nostrils or sneer of his mouth. Make no mistake, this is a performance that will be remembered for a long time.

The supporting cast can't hope to compare but acquit themselves admirably, aided by a tight script and intelligent direction. And as for the visuals, well, this could be Britain's most beautiful film noir. Every frame is a perfectly composed nightmare, with dark-dwelling horrors nestling up to brightly-lit beauty and innocence at every turn.

All in all, Brighton Rock is a work of art the British film industry should be proud of, and I urge everyone to see it as soon as possible.

Apparently there's a remake out soon but I don't know anything about that.

6 comments :

  1. An accurate review which has the TIS style embedded into every sentence from beginning to end.

    The film in 1947 captured the shabby town of Brighton exactly as described by Graham Green in his 1938 novel and as TIS suggests is a work of art.

    I have seen the new Brighton Rock which is on its own is a very slick well made adaptation of the novel, but put along side the 1947 film it looks fake, like a copy veneered desk sat next to a Thomas Chippendale original.

    No contest, the 1947 Brighton Rock is the better of the two versions.

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  2. I spent that whole review going "Where's the punchline?". Then I got to the punchline.

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  3. I don't get it...

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  4. http://vimeo.com/staffpicks#19447662

    'Everything ia a remix.' is well worth a view.

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  5. Have you seen the remake yet?

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  6. Marge, yes I have seen the remake. It is a very well made movie but pointless. What next? Remake Citizen Kane in colour and 3D?

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