This isn’t, as its title suggests, a film about the pneumatically endowed, but rather the latest in the ever-popular genre of British gangster movies. 44 Inch Chest comes with an impeccable pedigree. Its writers, Louis Mellis and David Scinto, paired up previously to write Sexy Beast and two of that film’s cast, Ray Winstone and Ian McShane, are part of a star-studded ensemble that contribute towards making this such a riveting work.
Originally conceived as a play, the film version of 44 Inch Chest, skillfully directed by Malcolm Venville, still possesses a very theatrical sensibility. The bulk of the action takes place in one room and it’s essentially all dialogue. But the dialogue is masterful and, when delivered by such an accomplished cast, has a musical quality to it. When the film’s five main characters are in harmony, it’s like listening to a quintet performing the work of a classical composer with the occasional dazzling solo thrown in.
The fundamental difference between British gangster movies and their American counterparts (Tarantino excepted) is humour. The British, as exemplified here, switch effortlessly between an ever-ready wit and unnerving menace. 44 Inch Chest possesses moments of disquieting tension punctuated with comic relief, the juxtaposition adding emphasis to both elements.
The opening scene echoes that of Sexy Beast as we see Ray Winstone lying on his back. But instead of soaking up the Mediterranean sun, here we find his character, Colin Diamond, looking all but dead as he lays amidst the debris of a wrecked room with the mournful strains of Harry Nilsson’s Without You playing. The once buoyant and tough Diamond has been reduced to a pitiful shell following the revelation by his long time wife Liz (Joanne Whalley) that she is leaving him for another man.
Embarrassed to see their friend in such a state, Diamond’s mates - the gnarly Old Man Peanut (John Hurt), the flash Meredith (Ian McShane), the blunt Mal (Stephen Dillane) and the reasoned Archie (Tom Wilkinson) - encourage him to avenge his wife’s actions and punish her lover. After kidnapping Loverboy (Melvil Poupaud), they bring him back to a disused house and lock him a cupboard while deciding his fate. The conversations between the men as they argue over what actions Diamond needs to take to restore his dignity form the crux of the film.
Winstone brings such truth to his performances that he embodies completely the character. Here, as the heartbroken Diamond, he provides the emotional heart while the others add rich colour. In particular McShane as the candidly homosexual Meredith who enjoys nothing more than taunting Old Man Peanut with his sexual exploits. Even as a camp thug, McShane has a quiet strength that can readily instill fear. While John Hurt and Tom Wilkinson try at times a little too hard to be tough.
There is a heightened reality to 44 Inch Chest that underlines its theatrical roots, but its transition to the big screen is a successful one. When McShane was asked how much of the rich and seemingly casual banter in the film was improvised, he said none, adding when dialogue is this great, you don’t mess with it. And he should know.
Kevin Murphy
