D.J. Haza presents the next entry in his series of films to watch before you die…
Sexy Beast, 2001.
Directed by Jonathan Glazer.
Starring Ray Winstone, Ben Kingsley, Ian McShane and Amanda Redman.
Sexy Beast is a British-Spanish crime film about the coming out of retirement of criminal and expert safecracker, Gal (Winstone). Enjoying his life in Spain working on his tan Gal isn’t interested in returning to Britain for another job, but when Don (Kingsley) comes to visit and convince him otherwise Gal finds it hard to say no. The problem is that Don is an unhinged and menacing figure that wont take no for an answer.
Gal shares his life in the sun with his wife Deedee (Redman) and their friends Aitch and Jackie. When Don arrives he brings with him an uncomfortable atmosphere emphasised by his several attempts at reconnecting with Jackie, whom he is infatuated with. Unhappy with Gal’s refusal at returning to London Don loses his temper, paints himself as the victim and leaves, but is throw off the return flight after refusing to put out his cigarette. When Don returns to Gal’s he’s even more enraged and turns nasty. The group manages to deal with Don and all have a hand in killing him.
Not wanting to raise suspicions Gal returns to London for the bank heist and sees the job through, stealing a pair of diamond and ruby earrings in the process. When questioned on there whereabouts of Don, Gal insists he has no idea and eventually gets out back to Spain with the earrings for Deedee.
Sexy Beast was the first feature from celebrated music video and TV commercial director Jonathon Glazer. His previous work includes the video for ‘Virtual Insanity’ by Jamiroquai and the exquisite and award-winning ‘ Surfers’ TV commercial for Guinness.
Sexy Beast is a film you must see before you die because Ben Kingsley’s performance is phenomenal as the unhinged, fast-talking and terrifying London gangster with a huge screw loose. One of the all time stand out performances of an actor with an already impressive CV.
D.J. Haza
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