A review of the 1971 classic film “Get Carter”
This gangster thriller did reasonably well on its release but, over the years, it developed a cult following and it is now regarded as one of the best British films ever made. Michael Caine is Jack Carter, the hard man in a London organised crime gang who returns to his Northern hometown of Newcastle to investigate the recent death of his brother. It is a triumph for Caine who is rarely off screen, but there is an interesting cast list which includes Ian Hendry, John Osborne and Britt Ekland.
Shooting was on unusual locations with a heavy emphasis on class structure and atmosphere was enhanced by Roy Budd’s minimalist jazz score. The plot is rather complicated and increasingly violent and amoral, but it is a well-paced and gripping story written and directed by Mike Hodges in his directorial debut. Among the most memorable scenes are one with the anti-hero totally naked but sporting a shot gun and the final confrontation on a coal-strewn beach.