The Criminal: [2001] [DVD] by Steven Mackintosh

Despite being overshadowed by the welter of inferior, identikit cockney gangster movies, The Criminal is an invigorating and sophisticated crime thriller; deftly handling its theme of conspiracy, tinged with subtle comic moments, yet rife with tension and paranoia. In an assured performance of complexity, Steven Mackintosh plays J, a musician whose chance meeting with a beautiful blonde (Natasha Little in perfect femme-fatale form) brings some adventure in to his uneventful life. When she is brutally murdered, the unsuspecting and confused J is thrust in to a nightmare of corruption and conspiracy, doggedly pursued by two police officers (the superbly foul-mouthed Bernard Hill and Holly Aird) as well as a shadowy criminal elite (watch for a wonderful cameo from comedian Eddie Izzard as a shady informant). A thoroughly impressive debut from director Julian Simpson, the film maintains an uneasy, claustrophobic atmosphere, bolstered by Simpson's ear for decent dialogue (particularly the innovative opening), storytelling prowess and visual flair. Fresh, imaginative and enthralling, The Criminal is a gem waiting to be discovered and a perfect antidote to lazy gangster cash-ins. On The DVD: director Simpson offers an informative and chatty commentary that provides excellent insight into how such a visually stylish film was made so economically. The cast and crew also offer interview soundbites, as well as biographies and a trailer. --Danny Graydon