2008 Woodie Awards
Gangster movie is one 'Sexy Beast'
Dustin Kramer
Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: Features
By DUSTIN KRAMER
Art Director
I believe that every great film has an outer layer and a core, and in order to see the core or absolute truth of a film, one must analyze that external skin. I love when I find that the core of a film is drastically different from the surface, which brings me to my review of "Sexy Beast."
"Sexy Beast," directed by Jonathan Glazer, is the story of retired British mobster Gal Dove, played by Ray Winstone. He's enjoying his post-crime life with his wife in the beautiful Spanish countryside until he finds that his safe-cracking skills are needed for one last job back in the United Kingdom. Don Logan, portrayed frighteningly well by the brilliant Ben Kingsley, is sent to bully Gal into coming out of retirement for the gig. Tensions mount as Gal makes his decision.
Now, that's the surface. A mob flick. Simple, clear and to-the-point. However, upon viewing this film, a perceptive audience member notices something. Every decision made by Gal is made selflessly. He is the last person who he is worried about suffering repercussions of his actions. Although it's never spoken aloud, the only person Gal is thinking about is his wife, Deedee. That's right. Underneath all of the tough guys, high living and cool-as-clay dialogue is something you don't really expect. A love story. A damn good love story.
Art Director
I believe that every great film has an outer layer and a core, and in order to see the core or absolute truth of a film, one must analyze that external skin. I love when I find that the core of a film is drastically different from the surface, which brings me to my review of "Sexy Beast."
"Sexy Beast," directed by Jonathan Glazer, is the story of retired British mobster Gal Dove, played by Ray Winstone. He's enjoying his post-crime life with his wife in the beautiful Spanish countryside until he finds that his safe-cracking skills are needed for one last job back in the United Kingdom. Don Logan, portrayed frighteningly well by the brilliant Ben Kingsley, is sent to bully Gal into coming out of retirement for the gig. Tensions mount as Gal makes his decision.
Now, that's the surface. A mob flick. Simple, clear and to-the-point. However, upon viewing this film, a perceptive audience member notices something. Every decision made by Gal is made selflessly. He is the last person who he is worried about suffering repercussions of his actions. Although it's never spoken aloud, the only person Gal is thinking about is his wife, Deedee. That's right. Underneath all of the tough guys, high living and cool-as-clay dialogue is something you don't really expect. A love story. A damn good love story.
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