Gangsters, Shotguns, Scotch, Cockney & Caine.

GET CARTER
(1971)

Written & Directed by- Mike Hodges

*Michael Caine, Ian Hendry, John Osborne, Britt Ekland, Geraldine Moffat 


Okay, first off, this film is the most British thing I've seen. Ever! That is the first impression I had of this amazing gangster film, but definitely better observations followed.

Michael Caine plays London based gangster, Jack Carter, who is out to investigate the foul play surrounding his brother's death. On this solo mission Jack comes across his fair share of old acquaintances, dangerous sharks and femme fatales before coming out the other end of the maze.
Exploring a Chandleresque plot director Mike Hodges presents Jack as a cold, no bullshit type character, his steely gaze seemingly detached from the rest of humanity. 

But for all his psychopathic behaviour Jack is also one of the coolest characters you've seen. The epitome of his calm and calculating persona being when he is intercepted by thugs while enjoying the company of a lady and instantly climbs out of bed toting a shotgun and shows the men off right onto the street, all the while as comfortable in his own skin and gun as, well, not many people can be.

The story is a bit thick. Events conspire behind the scenes as much as on screen and so require your attention, but what better way to hold your interest than a character as unpredictably interesting as Jack?
Caine's arresting presence keeps you transfixed on the proceedings and you follow him closely, even if you don't agree with his methods, right until the end.


Hodges' direction is ace. So surprisingly assured and restrained even though this is his directorial debut. The editing and camerawork are pretty fine too. 

Also Roy Budd's moody score stands out especially well. Specifically, the enchanting main theme, 'Carter Takes a Train', with its unique feel, perfectly utilizing the tabla, which plays in the beginning and end and more or less defines the film probably as well as Caine does himself.


But the best thing remains Caine's character and its journey. From being stealthy, cunning and hellbent on getting answers, he smoothly graduates to killing without thought or remorse. His sudden rage, his unfazed coolness, his ringing voice and his echoing, evil and sleazy laughter ably bring out the different shades of his personality, all thanks to Caine's phenomenal performance.

For me, as good as the film was, it was solely dependent on Caine's shoulders. Take him away and you take away the soul and the style from Get Carter.

 

Overall, an earnestly intense and incredibly stylish film which doesn't awe you with unpredictable twists but bowls you over with smart performances and the almost exotic feel of its ultimate Britishness.


Rating- 4.0/5