Get Carter (1971)

I admit it, Get Carter (1971) is almost certainly my favourite British film of all time. It is Michael Caine’s finest performance and the real genius of the film is the way it makes the viewer take for granted the (appalling) levels of violence which Carter employs. It does this by making us feel sympathy for him – partly because his brother has been murdered and partly because of the nasty exploitation of his niece. The string of faces familiar (to us older viewers) of faces from 60’s and 70’s TV (who can imagine Alf Roberts being a gangster, come on!!) undercuts the sheer viciousness Carter employs. It has fantastic locations, the crowd scene/extras are mesmerising – you just don’t see faces like that anymore! Get Carter is a timeless classic and the ill-advised remake with Sylvester Stallone only reinforces this point. The soundtrack is compelling, as is the opening sequence on the Newcastle bound train. From start to finish, Get Carter (1971) wins my vote every time.