FILM REVIEW: Get Carter (1971)

diebitter · #1 10-17-2005, 06:52 AM

Please wipe the Stallone remake from your mind, this is the 1971 original we're talking about. I know I've already said that in the title, but it bears repeating.

Okay, there's been some badasses in cinema - The Man with No Name, Lee Marvin in all sorts of things, Maximus, Bruce Lee, Jules Winfield, Connery's Bond, Hannibal Lector, Pesci in Scorcese films, and so on - but they all pale compared to Jack Carter. This guy has 'cold-hearted killer' all the way through, like a stick of Brighton Rock.

He's back in town, finding out what happened behind his brother's death. He works alone, is ruthless and efficient, and gets to the bottom of what happened. And then takes his revenge, cold as you can get, only showing emotion (anger, what else?) as he's just found out an awful truth about events (and it's an anger even he can't control), and when finishing the job.

Simple plot, huh? Michael Caine is exceptional here. He's already done some great roles as a lover (Alfie) and a fun guy (Italian Job) at this point in his career, but here he is the absolute master as Carter, as cold and scary as you'll ever see. He doesn't threaten, and stands there, face blank, if people bs him, threaten him, cajole him or bluff him. But when he acts, there's no way you can see it coming from his expression (he does say 'behave yourself' to one blustering fool at one point - I'll give him that), and when he does act, it's quick, highly destructive violence.

Examples: A 'relatively' innocent woman is locked in his boot, and his parked car gets knocked into the river - she's obviously going to drown. He doesn't change his expression.
Guys come for him - he marches them out into a public street with a shotgun, completely naked. Doesn't give a toss.

This is a very drab, relentless, and thoroughly English film, so make sure you know what you're getting into with it, and in the opinion of this reviewer, top of the tree of gangster films.

One caveat - I doubt very much women will like this film at all.

If you've never seen this - see it, quick. If you have, I think you're probably wanting to see it again.

OVERALL: 4 1/2 out of 5 (4 == 'see it very soon'!)

Opinions/comments/arguments please, especially if you violently agree or disagree.

swede123 · #2 10-17-2005, 11:33 AM

Thanks for the review.

I haven't seen the original yet, but it sounds like my kind of movie.

Now the remake on the other hand, is honestly right up there in contention for "worst movie of all time" honors for me. Seriously, what a piece of crap.

I'll check out the Caine version sometime.

Swede

Blarg · #3 10-17-2005, 11:54 AM

LOL what the ??? Did you recreate the thread, or did I just have a few small capillaries explode in my brain?

diebitter · #4 10-17-2005, 11:55 AM

We don't know what you're talking about, so I say the latter.

sfer · #5 10-17-2005, 12:01 PM

I haven't watched it, nor will I ever, in all likelihood, but I did buy a postcard of the movie poster a couple of years ago. It rules.

theghost · #6 10-17-2005, 12:21 PM

Great movie.

Dominic · #7 10-17-2005, 12:21 PM

One of the all-time, great British gangster movies.

jakethebake · #8 10-17-2005, 12:25 PM

I'd agree it's a very good movie and certainly better than that pos Stallone did. I don't know if I'm as high on it as diebitter but it's been awhile and I'm adding it to my netflix que to see again. I think my favorite Caine movie was The Island. I haven't seen it in years either though. I guess I better add it as well.

On a side note, what is it with Michael Caine? His movies are either very good, or complete crap. Why the hell did he agree to do Jaws 5?

Blarg · #9 10-17-2005, 12:28 PM

He's stated many times that he simply and unabashedly does them for the money. He considers himself a "working" actor in a very pragmatic sense, at least as far as his immediate pocketbook is concerned. The guy will sell himself to almost anyone who is buying.

Of course, that's led to him being in a lot of total garbage.

I'd nominate Hannah and Her Sisters as a very good Michael Caine movie, too. But my favorite one might be that one he did with Sean Connery, The Man Who Would Be King.

swede123 · #10 10-17-2005, 12:29 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I'd agree it's a very good movie and certainly better than that pos Stallone did. I don't know if I'm as high on it as diebitter but it's been awhile and I'm adding it to my netflix que to see again. I think my favorite Caine movie was The Island. I haven't seen it in years either though. I guess I better add it as well.

On a side note, what is it with Michael Caine? His movies are either very good, or complete crap. Why the hell did he agree to do Jaws 5?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think Caine suffers from the same problem as Samuel Jackson - they are both much more concerned about making money than putting out quality films. Both these actors have a ton of potential, and when it pans out their performances are usually gold. Of course they also strike out alot, but at least they put a few millions in their bank accounts each time around so who am I to judge them...

On the other extreme of the spectrum I'd put Jonny Depp. Say what you will about the guy, but you can't call him a Hollywood sell-out.

Swede