A Very British Gangster

(Documentary -- U.K.) A Dare Films presentation in association with the Irish Film Board, Extreme Prods. and Belfast TV3, Dublin. (International sales: Strategic Film Partners, New York.) Produced by Donal MacIntyre. Executive producer, Chris Shaw. Directed by Donal MacIntyre.

By JOHN ANDERSON

Dominic Noonan may not cut the figure represented by Bob Hoskins, Vinnie Jones or any of the locked, stocked and smoking company of modern British movie hoods, but he is nevertheless fascinating as the subject of Donal MacIntyre's remarkably intimate "A Very British Gangster." Noonan talks too much, preens too much and simply loves the camera. And the bald, bullish, real-life mobster will likely place MacIntyre's movie among the more commercial nonfiction films of the year. Theatrical prospects are likely limited, but the docu figures to make a killing on the small screen.

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.

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