Dead Man’s Shoes (2004) — Read Along
“God will forgive them. He’ll forgive them and allow them into Heaven. I can’t live with that”
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As “Dead Man’s Shoes” is two decades old, fancy joining me in a “read along” as I lavish as much spoiler free praise on a film I couldn’t possibly recommend highly enough to you? Then this video is for you!
It’s just me being me with a favourite Salvador Dali print as a backdrop together with a selection of my self-published books and it’s just you and me and it’s just me and you, and a love-in appreciation of one of the greatest films of all time.
“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, 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. 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 whose 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.
“Dead Man’s Shoes” can also be found within volume 2 of my 7 volumes of “Essential Film Reviews Collection” (linked immediately below) and all 7 volumes can be read for FREE should you have an Amazon Kindle “Unlimited” package.
"The Essential Film Reviews Collection Vol.2" - link to Amazon
Here’s a collection of self-published books I’m incredibly proud of which can also be found at Amazon and which can also be read for free should you have that Kindle “Unlimited” package.
Thanks for reading. I hope this message in a bottle in The Matrix finds you well, prospering, and the right way up in an upside down world.