Brighton Rock (2011)

'Brighton's on the move. She's not what she used to be. And you, whoever you think you are. It won't last. - I haven't even started'. So responds the main protagonist of Rowan Joffe's drama, adapted from the popular British novel by Graham Greene. Indeed, this film introduces us to Brighton in a time of change during the sixties. The youth are rising up and the backdrop of Brighton Pier serves as a battleground between the Mods and Rockers. As the waves crash against the shore, we must ask one simple question. Does 'Brighton Rock' sink or swim?

Director Rowan Joffe adapted this from the novel, as opposed to the 1947 film by John Boulting. As such I think it is unfair to draw too many comparisons between the two. Sure, lead character Pinkie Brown (Sam Riley) is less menacing than when Richard Attenborough played him. But what Riley does bring to the table is a sense of insecurity. Throughout the film Pinkie is plagued with doubts about who he can and can't trust. After a tricky encounter which results in him murdering a man, Pinkie must tie up any loose ends that connect him and his gang to this crime. The loose end in this case happens to be a young waitress by the name of Rose (Andrea Riseborough). From here they begin a whirlwind romance that is always destined to end in tragedy. The changes in Pinkie and Rose's life reflect the social changes that Brighton was facing at the time.

I think Joffe has done a brilliant job of adapting a book which many fans feel very strongly about. One of the best things about 'Brighton Rock' is the cinematography by John Mathieson. Rather than feeling drab and glum, the pier comes alive. This is particularly true in the nighttime scenes, which feel like the water is creating a devlish whisper of the crimes that were committed nearby. Riley does a decent job of portraying the inbalanced Pinkie, although I will agree that he struggles to convey the more aggressive aspects of his character's personality. The star of the film for me is Riseborough. She's been cropping up in a few British films over the past year (Never Let Me Go, Made in Dagenham). The character of Rose is complex as she falls hopelessly in love with Pinkie and represents the goodness buried deep inside of him. I was very impressed with the way she handled the performance and hope to see more from her in the future.

The supporting cast includes screen veterans Helen Mirren and John Hurt who are both exceptional in slightly limited roles. I studied the novel at school and have also done projects on the Brighton riots that occured in the sixties. I thought the film had a great sense of realism and for a brief moment, I was transported back to a time of great change. I imagine 'Brighton Rock' will fall under the radar given the fact that it hasn't garnered any nominations during awards season. Still, I felt this film was every bit as good as 'The King's Speech' and deserves to be seen by more than just fans of the novel. Brighton is indeed on the move but this is one film that will last the test of time.