Review of Outlaw (2007) by Katie M — 29 Dec 2007

Directed by: Nick Love.

Starring: Sean Bean, Danny Dyer, Lennie James, Bob Hoskins, Rupert Friend.

Right off the bat, this film wasn't going to have an agreeance from all audiences and it doesn't. The premise at hand is one that will always have a 50/50 opinion, no matter what gets done...and Nick Love keeps this in mind, while never forgetting to entertain.

The story follows a group of British men, each with there own way of life. Each one carries an event that has made them question two simple sources, society and the law. Through the work of ex-war veteran Brian, a man who is a loose cannon, he helps the men learn to fight back. But when humanity is tested, question arise: Is taking the law into there own hands the right thing? Or could they simply be doing everything the law should be doing?

The film isn't going to win the hearts of a nation, nor is it overly the 'masterclass' of its kind, but what has been shown impressed me. Although a little unfocused for the first quarter, the film starts to gain momentum, building a considerable and acceptable amount of depth for each character, enough that we can feel for them and for what they are doing, whether that be right or wrong. It raises questions on the very real corruption in society and the law and leaves you thinking 'what would you do?'. Although that is a little clichéd for the way film has become today, Nick Love develops it in a very gripping fashion, manipulating the audience...which isn't a bad thing.

Behind the camera, Nick Love is brutal and real and has some excellent cinematography to back him up, but I couldn't help but also notice the attempt at adding more grittiness to the film by creating a certain hand held effect with the camera, but it comes across as amateurish when his button can't help but be stuck to the automatic zoom button when it should flow more.

The acting is respectable for the films intentions. I have always thought that Sean Bean can pull off more of a 'baddy' role and he shows potential here, by going back to his roots and delivering a rather stern and menacing performance. Bob Hoskins is brilliant in his small screen time and if you know his track record, you'll know what he is like here and Danny Dyer, although annoying in some of his dialogue delivery, does have it in him to pull off a convincing role.

The film is in no way perfect. It is a little unfocused for the first 20 minutes, trying to find its way on what it wants to say and the camera work tries to be gritty but comes away as amateurish, but once the film gains momentum, it works. Many say the ending ruins it...but depending on what side your on will determine your thoughts on it and the fact that Nick Love kept this in mind, is what I liked more about this film. A great film to debate about.