Best London movies – gangsters & crime
London today is safe and essentially violence-free. It wasn’t always thus. In the 60s in particular parts of the East End had a reputation for being in the pocket of local crime barons – as a kind of English mafia most characterized by the Kray Twins - and, as ever, the ‘glamour’ of crime was depicted on the silver screen. In some movies, the glitz of the underworld was replicated unquestionably; others are more ambivalent about the whole thing.
And of course, British crime wasn’t all about Gangsters – from the humor of LadyKillers to the creepiness of 10 Rillington Place – these are films which cast a light onto an aspect of London the tourism officials would rather not celebrate.
The Long Good Friday (1980)
Bombs tear apart the power of the king of London’s underworld. He – played by Bob Hoskins – doesn’t know who’s fighting him, or why. He tries to find the truth – with devastating results. London is the unspoken character here, with locations from Heathrow to the Savoy, from Canary Wharf (before it was built) to St Katherine's Dockin the East End. It’s a movie that makes you wonder: is this all just fiction, or is there still a murky London underworld. Keep an eye out for a youthful Pierce Brosnan!
Mona Lisa (1986)
George was a bigwig in London’s criminal underworld, but a spell in jail has diminished his power to the extent that the only job he can get hold of on his release is as a chauffeur for a high class hooker. George (Bob Hoskins) tries to fit in but is also repelled by the world of crime, and ultimately he ends up in big trouble with the new kingpins of his murky world. It’s a complex and bittersweet introduction to London gangsterdom, and often highly rated by critics though it didn't do amazingly at the box office at the time.
Buy it Now at Amazon.com!
10 Rillington Place (1980)
A disturbing and deeply chilling film despite the fact that there’s barely a drop of blood in sight. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. It’s been shamefully neglected by audiences though adored by critics. The title refers to the house where John Christie, played by Richard Attenborough, a bleak, calculating doctor commits serial murder. This though is about as far away from the CSI-style glamour of killing as it’s possible to imagine. Instead you see only the reality of a grim house in north west London, and the fog of post-war London permeates this movie in an unforgettable way. For adults only, this is a creepy, seeping, forgotten gem of a movie.
Performance (1970)
You’ll either love this film or hate it. The portrait of a psychotic London gangster: brutality interlaced with 60s psychedelia and sex. Beautifully shot with a soundtrack that shouts ‘late 60s’ it’s a gangland movie that defies easy understanding or characterization – and stars Mick Jagger in a fine performance. On one level this movie speaks to the ambiguity of the changes taking place in late 60s society; on another it’s a lot of technicolor effects and a load of shagging. If you like cult movies this one’s definitely worth a watch.
The LadyKillers (1955)
A brilliant film that’s accessible for all. Quite possibly one of the best British comic crime movies of all time, this black look at murder still manages to much amuse. Five criminals attempt to pass themselves off as musicians, and stay with the ancient Mrs Wilberforce. They’re trying to pull off a massive robbery but once the deed is done all manner of complications ensue… It opened to rave reviews at the time and ever since has been delighting audiences as the epitome of sinister post-war British Comic Crime cinema. Starring Alec Guinness in what’s his funniest film role, it’s a romp to watch as well.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
A million dollars in a week. That’s what the trio at the centre of this sharp and slick gangster buddy movie need to raise after the spectacular failure of a bet in a card game. This is fancy and glamorised gangsterism, riddled with strong language and criminal cool. It’s amusing, arrogant and fun to watch – at least for the adults: the subject matter of sex, drugs and crime means its not very suitable for family viewing. Indeed, the quirky and dense London rhyming slang is so obscure that I have trouble following it: the advice is just to go with the flow and watch this enjoyable film. Was directed by Guy Ritchie, Madonna’s ex-husband and in fact was his first feature film, this will show you the optimism of late 90s Britain, though the eyeglass of crime.
Buy it Now at Amazon.com!
This article was last updated in Spring 2009, and is updated every year.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
