Jack Said

Released: 2009

Directed by: Lee Basannavar, Michael Tchoubouroff

Written by: Paul Tanter

Starring: Danny Dyer, David O'Hara, Simon Phillips

Genre: Crime

Support independent film this New Year with Jack Said, a modern take on the classic gangster genre. After its Southern Premiere at the Portsmouth Film Festival earlier this year, it is now available on DVD and Blu-ray in shops everywhere or indeed online.

From its description it has promise. A British gangster flick bringing its own take on the noir classification, with an impressive cast, and adapted from an award winning graphic novel. From watching it I also believe that the film, and its production team have promise.

Although it has flaws, it is a very noble attempt at a very difficult genre to pull off masterfully - especially now that the gritty cockney gangster phase in cinema has passed. What I admire about this relatively low budget film, is that it tries to surpass the limits a lack of funding brings. It may not pull off greatly atmospheric lighting, and perhaps does not quite grasp the techniques of sharp camera angles and explosive special effects, but it can hold its head high in the knowledge that it pushed the boundaries of its restraints.

Danny Dyer plays Nathan, gang member under the lead of the infamous Guv'nor along with fellow minion Jack (Simon Phillips). Jack, however, is actually an undercover detective whose real and phony identities start to merge after Nathan makes off with the Macguffin of the film - the mysterious silver briefcase - asking him to protect his sister while he's away.

It's a well paced tale of love and loyalties with a plot that is interesting enough to keep you watching till the end.

To refer to noir characteristics, it employs the use of voiceovers and flashbacks shown in black and white, but make this a noir it does not. These reflective pieces of dialogue can indeed be quite poetic at times and the acting, with Phillips in particular, can be strong and subtle whereas, on the other hand, I feel that the Guv'nor's daughter character is contrastingly shrill and over the top. Dyer's performance is spot on as always, even in this supporting role, and getting him on board was probably one of the best ideas the production team had in regards to the attention his involvement has brought.

All in all, despite the barriers the budget brought, this being mainly the 'look' it has, which is more TV drama than cinema, it is a generally well put together film. Their attempts at a broad range of camera angles is highly commendable, and pulls the cinematography up a level - bar one prolonged scene circling the actors, obviously designed for building tension yet ends up slightly nauseating. With the experience of producing both this and the previous film Jack Says under their belt, I am confident that their skills will only get better.

Jack Falls, the final chapter to the story is scheduled for release in 2010, and graphic novels of all three films by Paul Tanter are also available. Take a look at the official website www.jacksaid.co.uk for more details.

Tune in soon to check out SHARP OBJEX's exclusive interview with Jack Said producer, Toby Meredith.

SHARP OBJEX Rating: 2 out of 4

Jack Said Trailer