JAWBONE

UK, 2017, 91 minutes, Colour.
Johnny Harris, Ray Winstone, Michael Smiley, Ian Mc Shane.
Directed by Thomas Napper.

This is a very strong boxing film. It was written and directed by actor Johnny Harris who takes the central role. Clearly, the character and themes were important for him.

One of the themes is that of the young prodigy who excels at something, this time being a boxing champion. However, there is a collapse, wins and losses, alcoholism. The carrot, Jimmy Mc Cabe, has lost his mother to whom is devoted, still lives in her flat but it is threatened by the local Council for demolition.

Jimmy returns to the gym, making contact with his previous trainer, Bill (a strongly typical performance by Ray Winston) and some supervision from a coach, Eddie (also a strong performance by Michael Smiley). Jimmy goes into training, makes contact with an entrepreneur, Ian Mc Shane, is promised about in an unlicensed fight in the North.

Jimmy goes for an AA meeting but does not admit his situation publicly. Bill has terminal cancer which, in moments of friendship, he reveals to Jimmy. Jimmy has a confrontation with Eddie, denouncing them in public, later apologising, with Eddie accompanying him to the north for the about.

While there is harsh realism in the plot and in the visual treatment, the film is ultimately hopeful, possibilities for redemption, and an affirmation of AA.

1. A significant boxing film? Human drama? Success, low ebbs, alcoholism, fight back? Friendship and support?

2. The London settings? The river, streets, overpasses? Apartments? Government offices? The gym? The back rooms? The restaurant and the entrepreneurs? Going north, the arena, the match? AA meetings? The musical score?

3. Johnny Harris producing, writing, performance? Heartfelt?

4. The portrait of Jimmy Mc Cabe? First sight, down and out, drinking, the apartment and eviction, mourning the death of his mother, going to the office, his causing a scene, the reaction of the officials, the manager and the discussion and her explanations? Angry yet always polite? Going to the gym, reuniting with Bill, resuming his training, the conversations with Bill? Memories of his achievement when young, champion at 16, achievement at 22? The audience not knowing what really happened to him to lead to the alcoholism?

5. His going to the AA meeting, the welcome, the prayer, the reading of the welcome? His not admitting to the visit? His promise to Bill that he would not drink? His climbing into the gym windows, staying there? The compliment that Bill could reveal his secret to Jimmy?

6. Joe, swank, the restaurant, the steak, the possibility for the fight, unlicensed, the brutality? Jimmy accepting it?

7. The discussions with Eddie, his outburst against Eddie, Eddie telling him off, Eddie apologising to the other boxers? Jimmy later desperately apologising?

8. Going north, the fight, Eddie accompanying him, encouraging him? The crowd, hostility towards Jimmy? The choreography of the fight, the opponent being brutal, Eddie urging Jimmy to box rather than fight. Ultimate success? The knockout? (And the fee and the extra for the knockout?) Jimmy leaving the ring?

9. The aftermath, the previous temptation to drink again, going to the AA meeting, introducing himself?

10. The gritty drama? A story of potential for redemption? For relying on talent?