“Dead Man’s Shoes” (2004)
“You’re making me very nervous Richard”.
“You’re making me very nervous Richard”.
Born a mere handful of miles from where I sit penning these brief words of introduction to an astonishing film, this was English filmmaker Shane Meadows fifth film of nine in the seventeen year period from his debut film Small Time in 1996 through to the fan favourite pleasing The Stone Roses: Made of Stone in 2013. Shane is arguably most recognisably famous for his 2006 film This is England (and now the variety of associated TV spin-off series’), but Dead Man’s Shoes is his “Midlands Masterpiece” and a film I revere and hold incredibly personally to my heart and even more so as the years roll on by.
Slightly differently and with minimal hints as to the background story to the film, I have instead focussed on the major characters involved in this deeply disturbing psychological horror/drama and one portrayal in particular that would see Paddy Considine rightfully soar into the cinematic stratosphere.
Here are my three favourite films directed by Shane or please see my original rambling musings on Dead Man’s Shoes beneath it.
Shane Meadows — 3 films for your delectation
“Dead Man’s Shoes”, “This is England” and “The Stone Roses: Made of Stone”. All lovingly appreciated and spoiler free.medium.com
“God will forgive them. He’ll forgive them and allow them into Heaven. I can’t live with that”.
“Richard” (Paddy Considine) As a soldier returning to his home town, this is Considine in a thunderous performance. Minimal dialogue, but it’s every gesture, every look, every aggressive stance that elevate this performance to greatness. Fiercely protective of his brother Anthony, his loyalty and undying love shines through in their dual scenes and shows the human Richard, the loving, caring nature and sweet smiles reserved only for those we truly love. Living in a disused farm building and without transport, the brothers walk everywhere and Richard, the dominant of the two, is always seemingly two steps ahead. Leading from the front as per his army training but always his younger brother’s guide, mentor, and his shining light for life. Always in control, methodical and professional yet when challenged, a frightening powerhouse of force, brutal aggression and vengeance. From bouncing on his toes like a boxer before a big fight, to an unremitting aggressive stare that lingers and never relents, it’s a stunning performance from Considine.
“Anthony” (Toby Kebbell) His mental challenges are never fully disclosed or indeed discussed, but from personal experience I have no hesitation in saying that this is one of the most nuanced portrayals of autism I’ve ever seen on the cinema screen. Toby Kebbell produces a performance of sublime subtlety at times, and always heart breaking. As above and pictured below, the shared scenes with his older brother are a true joy, with smiles aplenty and dark subtle hints of humour too. But it’s his matter of fact dialogue with his Brother which steals the performance, his “I don’t want to go Richard” response to his brother’s impending trip to town which impresses.
A heart breaking joy of a performance.
“Sonny” (Gary Stretch) A stellar performance from former boxer Stretch. His first appearance smoking a joint and playing cards sets the scene for his performance of seeming control over his illegal enterprises and of his small but tight crew of loyal friends. Forever exerting control over the crew and similar to Richard as he leads from the front. His reactions to the deaths of his friends is so key, the utter desolation at his loss. The silent prayer or maybe a fix of concentration as the crew prepare to enter the farm is brilliantly portrayed. A stand out performance.
“Herbie” (Stuart Wolfenden) The smallest of the main performances yet equally the most crucial and the film’s true blackest of comedic moments. A drug dealer who’s wide boy style quickly unravels wrapped in paranoia and fear of the consequences of his actions. His joint scenes (pun intended) with crew members “Tuff” (Paul Sadot) and “Soz” (Neil Bell) are hilarious and tragic in equal measure. The joint scenes with Richard both crucial and frightening to the core. A brilliant yet mainly unrecognised performance.
With intense and extreme violence at times, constant drug taking and language a sailor would be proud of, this unsettling film is not for everyone. That said, it’s one of the greatest film’s I’ve ever seen, a film that seeps into your consciousness and challenges your perceptions on so many levels. The film has an intensity that never relents and is always engaging and very darkly funny at times throughout an astonishing and sharp 90 minute running time.
Written by Director Meadows and Paddy Considine (with additional material from Paul Fraser) and shot in just three weeks with a stellar cast of great British actors and friends of the cast, I love this film on a deeply personal level and I hope I’ve done this review a semblance of justice. The above appraisal is perhaps 5–10% total of the film as a spoiler free taster as possible. The film is essential viewing.
It’s simply astonishing.
Thanks for reading. Just for larks as always, and always a human reaction rather than spoilers galore. My three most recently published film articles are linked below or there’s well over 180 blog articles (with 350+ individual film reviews) within my archives from which to choose:
“The Hateful Eight” (2015)
“When you get to hell John, tell them Daisy sent you”medium.com
“The Last of the Mohicans” (1992)
The Best of Michael Mann — Vol 5.medium.com
“Clerks” (1994)
“I’m not even supposed to be here today!”medium.com