SEXY BEAST
UK, 2000, 89 minutes, Colour.
Ray Winston, Ben Kingsley, Ian Mc Shane, Amanda Redman, James Fox.
Directed by Jonathan Glazer.
An unlikely title for a British gangster movie. Also an unlikely title for its star, the stocky and not particularly sexy Ray Winstone, who in many movies seems a touch like a beast. But this is a well-made, very tough dramatic thriller, the retired gangster (living in luxury in Spain) being pressurised by a really monstrous beast of a gangster, played with diabolical menace by Ben Kingsley. The menacing gangster in London is Ian Mc Shane, doing deals with James Fox. The cast is top-notch and the sense of menace well-sustained, especially the robbery in London and its sinister aftermath. Practically everyone in the film is unpleasant, but the film provides a strangely fascinating glimpse into the criminal world.
1.The proliferation of UK gangster films in the 90s and early 21st century? Gangster thrillers, stories? Stories of actual gangsters? Retired gangsters? The memories of their jobs? London? Themes of violence and vengeance?
2.The title, the focus on Gal, the opening, sunbaking, the villa, his relationship with his wife, the luxury life, going to the restaurants, hunting and relaxing? His friendship with Enrique? The moral perspective and judgment on him as a former criminal?
3.Deedee and his relationship with her, her background, film industry, their two friends and their visits, talking, relaxing? The situation with the phone, the warning, Don Logan and his creating fear? Plans?
4.Ben Kingsley as Don Logan, his arrival, his personality, quirks and idiosyncrasies? Manner of speaking, getting distracted yet single-minded? The story – and the flashbacks with his conversation about the job, the interview, his repeating answers, his manner? The explanation to Gal? The background and flashbacks to Eddie, to Harry, the vault, the contents, the plan?
5.Gal and his refusal, the dynamics of the conversation with Don, Don and his sense of menace, looking around the villa? The drink? The others going away, Don and Gal by themselves, the pool? The violence and Gal agreeing?
6.Don, his getting on the plane, the cigarette, creating the fuss, being put out, his accusing the attendants of harassment, being gay? The authorities, his return to Spain? His stances, tough, the boy and his gun, hitting him, hitting Gal? Deedee and the gun, her shooting Don? Not showing this immediately – but in the flashbacks and Gal’s memory?
7.Gal and his dreams, the cavern, the monster, Don? The recurring dream at the end?
8.Gal going to London, meeting the crew, discussions with Eddie, his lying to Eddie about Don’s phone call? Eating, the plan, the team, raucous behaviour in the pub, the details of the robbery, underwater, the drilling? The success, the risks? The celebration?
9.Eddie and his sense of menace, giving Gal the lift to the airport, talking, the truth, going to Harry’s place, Harry’s surprise, Eddie killing him, dropping Gal at the airport?
10.Gal’s return, to a life of ease, yet the underlying menace of the dreams? A different kind of gangster story yet with many familiar ingredients? Where did sympathies lie?
