Plot
In the late 1970’s, Nickie Dryden is a ‘Debt Collector’ in the mean streets of Edinburgh. His ‘policy’ in getting them paid off – by hurting the family members of those who owe him money. He is arrested by top cop Keltie – and in 1999 – now reformed, released and married to Val – he finds himself the target of Keltie – who wants the world to know who Dryden was.
Direction
Low budget, but it is one of the best ‘little known’ thrillers that I’ve watched. There is some solid camera work at times – especially dolly shots, camera angles, wide shots etc.
Cast/Characters
Sir Billy Connolly – who is primarily known for his comedy is breathtaking as Nickie, who is trying to start a new life with his new wife. This is another of his ‘unknown’ films where he gives a brilliant performance (however the other he played a zombie which had no speaking parts… go check my review on Fido).
Ken Scott plays the role of now suspended cop Keltie, who is obsessed with ruining Dryden’s new life. His arc is both heartbreaking at times – especially when it comes to his mother – and then unredeemable in the third act.
Francesca Annis is hauntingly good as Nickie’s wife Val – there is a mid-movie scene where her performance was Oscar worthy, and gave me goose bumps in how realistic it was.
Iain Robertson is very good too as Flipper, a local youth who looks up to Dryden’s dark past. His arc too is quite brutal to watch/
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
The main themes are redemption and conflict. Dryden, obviously ashamed of his past is trying to move on – but his past keeps coming back on him.
It is incredibly violent – with both on screen (the pool scene, the alleyway scene and the final showdown between Keltie and Dryden). There is also brilliant use of ‘off screen’ violence in a couple of characters/
Conflict is the main theme, with all the characters having some sort of conflict with one another. Nicky and Keltie are the obvious two, but Flipper who idolises Dryden – and when he is rejected by his admiration.
Val and Nickie later have their own when Keltie’s obsession with bringing Nickie down leads to a devastating moment for their family.
Some of the dialogue is rather tough to get through, not just from the thick Scottish accents and slang, but also the relentless use of coarse language. Not for the faint hearted, or people who don’t like the F or C word.
Score/Soundtrack
There is a very good score by Adrian Johnston – who manages to capture the mood of moments in the film whether it be tender (during Nickie’s sculpture scenes) ominous (during ‘that’ alleyway scene) or thriller-esque (in the final act)
Overall
Yet another film from my favourite year of cinema – 1999, is breath takingly good. I really recommend this one. It is hard to watch, with no real let up from the drama. Possibly about 10-15 minutes too long, but otherwise, near perfect.
4.5/5
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