Dead Man's Shoes

Dead Man’s Shoes



No-one is going to argue with the fact that Hollywood dominates the movie world. Nowhere else even comes close. When Britain tries to imitate their mega money blockbusters they always come up short. But, when it comes to gritty realism, we’ve got the yanks beat. That’s why the zombies in ‘28 Days Later’ are scarier than the ones in ‘Dawn of the Dead’. It’s why the British ‘Wicker Man’ was chilling and the American one was plain daft. It’s also the reason why ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’ is such an outstanding film.

The story centres on ex-soldier Richard, who returns to his hometown to exact revenge on the small time drug-dealers who bullied his younger simple-minded Brother. Richard (Paddy Considine) works his way from the bottom up, striking fear into and eventually attacking all those involved. He starts off slow, enjoying himself as the gang realise what they’re up against.

The twist ending comes out of nowhere, blindsiding you like Fight Club and Sixth Sense before it. I won’t explain any further, but suffice to say things aren't quite as they seem.

Shane Meadows never puts a foot wrong, cranking up the tension as Richard closes in for the kill. The grainy camerawork and razor sharp dialogue drag the audience straight to the centre of the violence. The characters could be from your own neighbourhood.
Still one of my favourite scenes of all time, is the one where Richard first meets a gang member and appears to be scared of him. Then quick as a flash his shyness evaporates into rage, jolting you from your seat.

Paddy Considine, is a long time collaborator and friend of Meadows, appearing in most of his early work such as ‘A Room for Romeo Brass’. Here, he delivers an angst driven psychopath with great finesse.
It’s only now that Considine is making an impact in Hollywood. It’s a great loss for us, but then Hollywood always soaks up the greatest talents.

Verdict 10/ 10
British Cinema at its best.