Sundance 2007

A Very British Gangster

 (Documentary -- U.K.)

In a movie that swings wildly between being a "Dateline" report and a Terrence Malick film, Noonan -- aka Lattlay Fottfoy -- is introduced as both the head of the most powerful crime family in Manchester, England, and a community figure as familiar with solving local domestic disputes as he is with extortion, drug-running and bank heists. MacIntyre never tries to paint Noonan as anything but a criminal, one with a proclivity for winning tight court cases. But he does give us the whole round man -- including Noonan's leadership of a gang well-versed in kidnap and torture.

It would be difficult to describe Noonan as likable, but he is loquacious, something exploited by MacIntyre's gifts as an interviewer and agent-provocateur. He obviously figured out early in their relationship that Noonan couldn't resist a certain pride in his "work," and, when asked about it, wants credit for what he's done. Noonan stops short of admitting to the half-dozen or so murders the police says he's ordered, but his Cheshire smile reveals much. And MacIntyre isn't afraid to ask the uncomfortable question.

Supported by the intermittent crooning of Noonan's protege/nephew, Sinatra-wannabe Sean -- and found music intended to suggest, if not imitate, that of "The Sopranos" -- "A Very British Gangster" is a very watchable movie, one that explores an oft-exploited mob milieu and busts some of its fictional bubbles. These are troubling people, to be sure, but MacIntyre makes them human, as well as frightening.

Sound is good, dialects quite comprehensible.

Camera (color/B&W, HD), Nick Manly, Mike Turnbull; editor, Sally Hilton; sound designer, George Foulgham. Reviewed at the Sundance Film Festival (World Cinema -- competing), Jan. 19, 2007. Running time: 97 MIN.