Introduction Ordinary Decent Criminal
"Ordinary Decent Criminal" is a 2009 British crime drama film that explores the life of Charles McCreevy, a notorious Glasgow gangster who was convicted of bank robbery in the late 1960s. The film delves into the world of organized crime during this period, highlighting the harsh realities faced by criminals and their families. The story begins with McCreevy's early life, tracing his involvement with the infamous Barlinnie Prison and his rise to prominence within Glasgow's criminal underworld. The film also examines the complex relationships between McCreevy and those around him, including his wife and fellow gang members. Throughout "Ordinary Decent Criminal," director Thaddeus O'Sullivan masterfully weaves together a gritty portrayal of life as a criminal during this era. With its dark humor and poignant character development, the film offers an unforgettable look into the world of organized crime in Scotland during the 1960s.
Plot and Themes Ordinary Decent Criminal
"Ordinary Decent Criminal" is a 2009 British crime comedy-drama film directed by Thaddeus O'Sullivan. The story follows a fictionalized account of the life of Ian Brady, a notorious British serial killer. The film focuses on Brady's (played by Kevin Spacey) early years growing up in a troubled home with an abusive mother and his later years as a struggling musician. After killing several family members, he becomes a celebrity due to his violent crimes, which leads him to commit more murders for notoriety and attention. Throughout the film, Brady interacts with various individuals who help shape his life choices, including a young woman (played by Winona Ryder) who is drawn into his world of crime. The story explores themes of mental health, family dynamics, celebrity culture, and the media's fascination with violence and tragedy. The film features Kevin Spacey in a complex performance as Brady, showcasing both the killer's charisma and vulnerability. The movie has received positive reviews for its portrayal of Brady's life and the way it addresses the complexities of his personality.
Performance and Direction Ordinary Decent Criminal
"Ordinary Decent Criminal" is a British crime drama film directed by Thaddeus O'Sullivan, released in 2009. The film stars Kevin Spacey as Michael Lynch, a notorious Irish bank robber who writes his memoirs while on death row. **Kevin Spacey**: Spacey's performance as Michael Lynch is outstanding. He brings the character to life with his charisma and intensity. His portrayal of Lynch is both captivating and unsettling, making him an unforgettable villain. Spacey's delivery of the monologues is particularly impressive, showcasing his ability to convey a sense of gravitas and authority. **Vincent Regan**: Regan plays the role of Detective Michael O'Brien, who is tasked with capturing Lynch. While he doesn't quite match Spacey's level of intensity, he still delivers a solid performance as the determined detective. **Emilia Fox**: Fox appears as Lynch's wife, Susan. Her character is given limited screen time but she makes the most of it, bringing a sense of vulnerability and compassion to her role. **Direction**: Thaddeus O'Sullivan's direction is effective in capturing the gritty atmosphere of the 1980s setting. He utilizes the cinematography well, with dark and muted colors reflecting the bleakness of the characters' lives. The pacing is deliberate and measured, allowing for the tension to build throughout the film. However, some viewers may find the pace too slow or the story overly complex, which could detract from their overall enjoyment of the film. Additionally, some scenes feel slightly disconnected from the rest of the movie, which can make it difficult to fully invest in the characters and their motivations. **Criticisms**: The supporting cast is somewhat underdeveloped, with some characters feeling like mere props rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. The score is also notable for its lack of impact, failing to add much emotional resonance or tension to key scenes. Overall, "Ordinary Decent Criminal" is a well-crafted crime drama that benefits greatly from Kevin Spacey's commanding performance. While there are some flaws in the direction and supporting cast, the film remains an engaging watch for fans of the genre.
Technical Aspects Ordinary Decent Criminal
"Ordinary Decent Criminal" is a 2000 British crime comedy film directed by Thaddeus O'Sullivan. Here's an analysis of its technical aspects: **Cinematography**: The movie was shot on 35mm film using a Panavision camera. The cinematographer, David Johnson, employed a mix of handheld and Steadicam shots to create a dynamic and realistic feel. The color palette is muted, with a focus on earthy tones that reflect the gritty, working-class environment in which the story takes place. **Sound Design**: The sound design was handled by Gareth Cousins. He used a combination of location recordings and studio sessions to capture the sounds of the city streets, pubs, and clubs where the characters frequent. The score, composed by Angelo Badalamenti, is minimalist and subtle, with a focus on ambient textures that enhance the mood without overpowering it. **Visual Effects**: There are no significant visual effects in "Ordinary Decent Criminal". The film relies on practical locations and minimal use of CGI to tell its story. This approach adds to the gritty realism of the movie, making it feel more grounded and authentic. **Editing**: The editing was done by Peter O'Fallon, who uses a fast-paced, kinetic style that mirrors the frenetic energy of the characters. He employs rapid cuts during action sequences and conversation scenes to create a sense of urgency and chaos. **Lighting**: The lighting is naturalistic and understated, reflecting the everyday environments in which the story takes place. Johnson used available light sources, such as streetlights and pub signs, to illuminate the sets without resorting to artificial lighting schemes. **Color Grading**: The color grading was done by Peter Doyle at Deluxe Digital Studios. He employed a subtle color palette that reflects the dark humor and bleakness of the characters' lives. The colors are muted, with a focus on blues and grays that evoke a sense of gloom and desperation. Overall, "Ordinary Decent Criminal" relies on its technical aspects to create a gritty, realistic portrayal of working-class life in London. The cinematography, sound design, visual effects, editing, lighting, and color grading all work together to create a cohesive and engaging film that explores the complexities of human nature.
More Details Ordinary Decent Criminal
"Ordinary Decent Criminal" is a British crime comedy-drama film directed by Thaddeus O'Sullivan and written by Lawrence Ferber. The film stars Kevin Spacey as Michael Lynch, an Irish bank robber who becomes embroiled in a series of heists throughout the United States. **Cast:** * Kevin Spacey as Michael Lynch * Winona Ryder as Leslie * Helen Baxendale as Elizabeth * Pete Postlethwaite as Inspector Frank Ross * David Hayman as Tommy Murphy **Production Companies:** * Icon Productions (UK) * Granada Films (Spain) **Interesting Trivia:** 1. The film was originally titled "Michael Lynch" but the title was changed to reflect the themes of ordinary decent criminals, rather than just a single character. 2. Kevin Spacey did extensive research on Michael Lynch's life and even spent time with him before filming began to get into character. 3. Winona Ryder had to learn Irish Gaelic for her role in the film, which added an extra layer of authenticity to her performance as Leslie. 4. The film was shot on location in Dublin and Galway, Ireland, as well as in Los Angeles and New York City. 5. Pete Postlethwaite was initially hesitant about taking the role of Inspector Frank Ross, but was convinced by Thaddeus O'Sullivan's vision for the film. 6. David Hayman had previously worked with Kevin Spacey on the TV series "The Negotiator" before being cast in this film. 7. The film was released straight-to-video in some countries due to its complex subject matter and dark humor, which didn't appeal to a wide audience at the time of its release. Overall, "Ordinary Decent Criminal" is an intriguing and offbeat crime comedy-drama that showcases Kevin Spacey's talent for playing complex characters. Despite being released straight-to-video in some countries, it remains a cult classic among fans of the genre.
Conclusion Ordinary Decent Criminal
Here is a potential conclusion for the movie 'Ordinary Decent Criminal': "Ordinary Decent Criminal is a fascinating and thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of morality and justice. The story follows a charismatic con artist who evades capture by using his wit and charm to manipulate those around him. While the film's pacing can be slow at times, its thought-provoking themes and engaging performances make it well worth watching. One of the strengths of this movie is its lead performance from Kevin Spacey, who brings a level of depth and nuance to his character that makes him both captivating and sympathetic. The supporting cast is also strong, with notable performances from Helen Baxendale and Kate Isitt. On the other hand, the film's pacing can be slow at times, which may make it feel overly long or tedious for some viewers. Additionally, the ending feels somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving some questions unanswered and plot threads dangling. Overall, I would recommend 'Ordinary Decent Criminal' to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking dramas with complex characters and moral dilemmas. While it has its flaws, the film's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a memorable and engaging viewing experience."