Favorites : Sexy Beast (2000)
Back in the early 2000s, I worked at Sundance Records in San Marcos, Texas, and I can safely say that it was the period of time that I was most tapped in to what was happening in terms of âcoolâ culture.  The conversations I had in that store about music, art, books and film were conversations that left infinitely lasting impressions.  When it came to film, the recommendations came faster than I could take them in, but there was one name that cut like glass and stood out at the time : Sexy Beast.  When I finally got around to seeing it, I made the Jonathan Glazer connection (this was his debut film after a highly successful music video career), but was not prepared for how blown away I would be after literally every time I watch this masterpiece.
Gal (Ray Winstone), a former criminal in the London underground, has retreated to Spain with his wife DeeDee (Amanda Redman), along with best friends Aitch (Cavan Kendall) and Jackie (Julianne White), in hopes of leaving his criminal life behind him for good. After nearly being killed by a boulder that destroys his signature pool, Gal doubles down on his efforts to celebrate his new life. These efforts are brought to a screeching halt, however, when former fellow criminal Don Logan (Ben Kingsley) pays Gal a visit with a job offer. Gal attempts to turn the offer down, but Logan tightens the screws and refuses to take no for an answer. With his life on the line and the safety of his friends in jeopardy, Gal must do whatever it takes to restore order in his world.
The way that Glazer weaves what could be three complete films together into one amazing film is a stroke of directorial debut genius. Â Emotionally, the film is a hostage movie, with Don Logan holding Gal and crew against their will with a terror and stubborn nature of nearly cartoonish proportion, but real enough to terrify viewers, even upon repeat watches. Â Narratively, we get a heist movie, with a game of chess between two supposed powerful men using their skill sets (wealth versus criminal prowess) with the lives of others used as pawns. Â Stylistically, the film is a love story about unconditional love despite the past one has lived, and doing whatever it takes to keep that love alive and protected. Â The entire affair is as gut-wrenching as it is beautiful to look at.
The clever and intriguing symbolism used throughout is integrated perfectly into the film, sometimes so subtly that it is instantly accepted even when the context is still being built. Â The boulder and the use of haire coarsing are both symbols of impending danger, only to be bolstered by a dream sequence featuring a beast symbolizing a character we have yet to meet. Â The touches of Gal in his speedo and robe set against Don Logan with his tucked shirt give the impression of heroes and villains, despite both men being criminals. Â With all of this symbolism tonally setting a sense of danger, it is wonderful that the characters deliver on that sense once present, specifically Don Loganâs intensity and Teddy Bassâ ability to unsettle with his imposing nature.
Glazer handles the idea of perspectives perfectly... technically, shots like the boulder shot, car door shot and rotating setups put us deeply into the correct mindsets, while narratively, the entire affair is about Galâs firm attempt to keep his perspective forward in terms of his past.  The movie is able to bounce between being wonderfully funny, sweet and tender, and downright scary (sometimes within the course of a scene) without coming off as disjointed.  On the production design side of things, the choice of juxtaposing Spanish locations with London ones serves to amplify the love story aspect tastefully.Â
Ray Winstone goes all in on his role as the reluctant protagonist, making us both adore and pity him equally, then deeply fear for him and his safety, all due to the charm he oozes when he is allowed to live his dream life. By contrast, Ben Kingsley built a new career for himself as a human house-on-fire that is allergic to the word ânoâ, oblivious to social norms, and relentlessly unable to be swayed from course once his mind is set. Ian McShane is allowed to play badass and intimidator to the highest degree, oozing cool, mystery and danger in equal degrees (as he has gotten more and more famous, I finally realized this was my introduction to him). Amanda Redman plays her character wonderfully frustrated by how much she loves her husband versus how powerless he acts to take control of the situation. Cavan Kendall and Julianne White play wonderful fuel to the stewing fire, helping to create the situation that eventual propels everyone forward. Brief but memorable appearances by James Fox and Darkie Smith, as well as the audience connection role that Alvaro Monje played, round out a powerful ensemble. Â
I am often quite surprised that more people are not familiar with this film, as I consider it a modern-day love story classic. Â Sexy Beast definitely deserves more attention, and I wouldnât be surprised if it found a revival at some point in the future.
