Review of Get Carter (1971) by The R — 25 May 2010

In Mike Hodges' "Get Carter", Michael Caine plays a London gangster who comes to Newcastle upon his brother's death and ends up single-handedly waging war on the Newcastle mob. This film is a study in amorality.

Caine, in a terrific performance, portrays the titular character as being just as ruthless as his enemies, and he only earns our sympathies for having the slightest bit more justification in his actions.

The film neither condemns nor condones the numerous murders that arise, and only presents them as inevitable in this web of lawlessness. Through clever use of locations and stunning cinematography, Hodges paints Newcastle as both alien and familiar, and entirely hostile - the perfect environment for the film's events.

"Get Carter" is an especially hard-boiled gangster picture, and a terrific film.