Graham Greene is one of the most acclaimed authors, commercially and critically, from the UK and one that has been adapted into film and TV more than anyone with THE QUIET AMERICAN, THE THIRD MAN, and loads of others. Now one of Greene’s most famous novels, BRIGHTON ROCK, gets a makeover from the original text and 1947 film.
BRIGHTON ROCK sees the ambitious and young Pinkie played by Sam Riley (CONTROL) who, after the murder of his surrogate father by a rival gang kills the father’s murderer, setting off a series of events where he attempts to take over the criminal world of Brighton and keep the only witness to the murder, Rose (Andrea Riseborough, NEVER LET ME GO), by having her fall in love with him.
This is not a simple or standard adaptation or remake as there are a number of stylistic and story deviations from the originals, the biggest being that the film is set in the Sixties rather than the Forties. This does have a big effect on the film as Brighton has a strong and aggressive history in the Sixties with the riots and fights between the Mods and Rockers, which is a perfect backdrop to the violent nature of the film. Also the character of Pinkie, and Sam Riley’s portrayal of the character, is far more imposing than Sir Richard Attenborough not just because of the huge size difference but with the way that Riley delivers the dialogue where 90% of the time he is a complete and utter bastard, spitting out each word through gritted teeth, too the 10% where he shows his true self, that of a coward when he’s facing the prospect of death.
Andrea Riseborough as Rose is perfect and, dare I say it, better than Carol Marsh in the 1947 film. She is so fragile and absolutely infatuated with Pinkie because he shows her the slightest moment of kindness, or what Pinkie could muster. The entire film I was nearly screaming at the screen, wishing to knock sense into Rose, trying to will her with my mind to keep away from Pinkie. There will be a lot of credit going towards Riley for the intensity of his acting and for bringing back the Spiv or British villain, which there hasn’t been one in awhile, but the film hinges on Rose and Riseborough nails it and because of her, keeps the audience captivated.
There are a number of other British institutions appearing in the film including the man that voices ever advert and stars in every film, John Hurt and everyone’s favourite cougar, Helen Mirren. They both play the sort of regular Joe’s that lives slightly touch the criminal worlds but lead normal lives. Both are adequate but Mirren becomes annoying meddling in Rose and Pinkie’s affairs, trying to keep Rose away from him, but knowing that it makes it all worse. Mirren’s character of Ida also becomes a sexual being in this film even getting it away to Hurt’s bookie character.
Two honourable mentions should go out too Andy Serkis who plays the rival mobster and Dallow (Nonso Anozie, ROCKNROLLA), especially Anozie as he is great at playing the Jiminy Cricket to Pinkie’s amoral character.
Another huge difference is the level of violence especially concerning the end fight scene which they really push in Hammer Horror type style involving some acid.
Overall the film is a great adaptation and remake, successfull adding to the original than just copying like a large amount of remakes do. The film is more sinister, intense and nerve wrecking, bringing a welcome return to the British Spiv.
BRIGHTON ROCK is released 4th Feb 2011
