What would you do in his shoes? (Dead Man's Shoes (DVD))

Member Name: Foxy-Lady

Product:	Dead Man's Shoes (DVD)
Date:	14/07/08 (358 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent film

Disadvantages: Quite upsetting

*Film only review*


Richard has been away in the Army, but now he's back...and he wants revenge. During his absence a local gang cruelly targeted and tormented his mentally retarded younger brother. Surely the culprits should pay for their unfair and thoughtless actions.


Set in a semi-rural part of Derbyshire, Dead Man's Shoes features some bleak yet peaceful and atmospheric scenes as Richard and his brother Anthony stroll through areas of countryside, either in complete silence or idly chatting as siblings do. These tender moments are in stark contrast to the violent nature of the film and the innocent council estate location certainly proves to be an unexpected setting for the sinister themes involved.

Unable to forget the past, the elder brother dwells on Anthony's experiences (the impression of a certain degree of guilt for leaving him can be felt) and plans his subsequent attacks with a reluctant and clearly uncomfortable Anthony in tow. Tracking down each of the drug dealing gang members, Richard finally gets the opportunity to voice his anger and unleash his rage, making sure they know who he is and why he has suddenly appeared in their lives.

Some very gruesome scenes follow as the tormentors are approached one by one. At first, the merciless rampage seems to be a bit extreme as the people in question aren't exactly big city hardened criminals - more like small time hoodlums. The attacks begin to feel almost necessary though as throughout the film gritty black and white flashbacks are interspersed to gradually explain exactly how Anthony was treated by the gang. Accompanied by unsettling acoustic music, these shots are almost too awkward to watch. You want to look away but you can't. Although deeply upsetting they serve to add meaning and reason to the actions of Richard.

This innocent young man (who quite clearly suffers from learning difficulties) is picked on and made a laughing stock of because he isn't capable of fully understanding what is going on. The flashbacks become chilling towards the end of the film as the true extent of Anthony's degradation is revealed.

I must say that Dead Man's Shoes is not entirely without its lighter moments. There is an element of humour, particularly amongst the low-life gang who drive around in an old Citroen 2CV and have a touch of the Chuckle Brothers to their personas. They come across as pretty stupid at times...a scene discussing the meaning of 'al fresco' whilst reading pornographic magazines instantly springs to mind!

Dead Man's Shoes was produced on a low budget in 2004. Directed by Shane Meadows, it has a very similar feel to his earlier film Once Upon a Time in the Midlands and even more so, his recent direction of This is England. In my opinion the tight budget is an advantage as nothing feels 'over done'. The basic style is very natural due to the simplicity. At times it seems almost improvised and emits a fly-on-the-wall documentary kind of quality, resulting in a gripping sense of reality.

The characterisation is simply excellent with Richard being played by the fabulous Paddy Considine (who featured in Borne Ultimatum, Hot Fuzz, In America). He really fits the part well, giving a powerful and emotional performance. Convincingly ferocious and macabre on one side, a loving depth can also be felt towards his brother, played by Tony Kebell. Kebell (who was little known at the time) stands out a great deal due to the unusual nature of his character. A superb and sensitive portrayal, so convincing that you could cry for him and share in his brothers anger.

A host of recognisable faces also feature in the film...for example, ex boxer Gary Stretch plays the role of gang leader and old Coronation Street actor Stuart Wolfenden also belongs to the gang. Not all particularly well known names but many are obviously selected for being quite local and therefore able to speak with a certain amount of regional dialect, ensuring conversation flows naturally and isn't stilted by dodgy out of place accents. All adding to the reality of the tale.

There's no disputing that Dead Man's Shoes is deserving of its 18 certificate rating. A brutal thriller, it offers very strong language, violence, drug taking and scenes of a sexual nature. Although it is a very graphic film and sometimes disturbing, it is an overall moving story and I absolutely love it.

At a satisfying 90 minutes long the dark tale of retribution challenges the viewer to condone or condemn. They say that revenge is sweet, but is it really justifiable and to what extent? Watch Dead Man's Shoes and decide for yourself.



DVD with extras available at play.com - £4.99
Occasionally shown on Film4 (which is where I saw it)

Summary: A moral tale with plenty of blood shed