Get Carter: Michael Caine’s Masterpiece of British Gangster Cinema
It was a tumultuous time in Britain’s history, with the Kray Twins, two of the country’s most notorious gangsters, having just been convicted. The nation was gripped by stories of organised crime and violence, and audiences were eager for a film that would capture the grit and reality of this underworld. That film arrived on March 10, 1971, with the release of Get Carter, starring Michael Caine. According to a report by the Express, this cinematic masterpiece would go on to become one of the most influential gangster movies ever made, influencing a generation of filmmakers, including Stanley Kubrick and Quentin Tarantino.
The film, directed by Mike Hodges, follows Caine’s titular character, Jack Carter, as he travels from London to Newcastle to investigate the suspicious death of his brother. Carter’s journey is marked by a campaign of womanising, murder, and exquisite tailoring, showcasing Caine’s unique blend of style and brutality. The Express describes Get Carter as a "masterpiece," a film that "punched a hole in popular culture with its themes of binge drinking and brutal killing." As noted by Gentleman’s journal, Get Carter is a film that has stood the test of time, with its influence still evident today.
Michael Caine, who has since been credited as a co-producer on the movie, wanted to create a more realistic and grounded depiction of the British underworld on screens. In an interview with a local Californian newspaper in 2002, Caine explained, "One of the reasons I wanted to make that picture was my background. In English movies, gangsters were either stupid or funny. I wanted to show that they’re neither. Gangsters are not stupid, and they’re certainly not very funny." Caine drew on his own personal knowledge of criminal acquaintances to inform his performance, stating, "Carter is the dead-end product of my own environment… and my childhood; I know him well. He is the ghost of Michael Caine."
The film’s critical reception was mixed at first, but over the years, Get Carter has come to be widely regarded as a classic of British cinema. In 1999, the British Film Institute (BFI) ranked Get Carter 16th among the Top 100 British films of the 20th Century. Five years later, Total Film named it the greatest British film of all time, a sentiment echoed by other media outlets such as Empire and The Guardian. The Express reports that Get Carter "quickly became one of Stanley Kubrick’s all-time favourites and inspired a young Quentin Tarantino," a testament to the film’s enduring influence.
Get Carter’s impact on British cinema cannot be overstated. The film’s themes of violence, crime, and redemption resonated with audiences, providing a gritty and realistic portrayal of the underworld. As the Express notes, "It follows a career-best Caine as he leaves London for Newcastle, travelling north to investigate the suspicious death of his brother." Caine’s performance is widely regarded as one of his best, and the film’s influence can still be seen in many modern gangster movies.
In conclusion, Get Carter is a landmark film in British cinema, a masterpiece of gangster cinema that has stood the test of time. With its gritty portrayal of crime and violence, the film provided a realistic and influential depiction of the underworld, influencing a generation of filmmakers. As the Express notes, Get Carter is a film that "has been described by many as one of the best British films ever made." With its enduring influence and critical acclaim, Get Carter remains a must-see for fans of British cinema. The Express has provided extensive coverage of the film’s history and impact, and their in-depth analysis provides a valuable insight into the world of British gangster cinema.
The film’s influence extends beyond the world of cinema, with its themes and characters becoming a part of British popular culture. Get Carter is a film that continues to captivate audiences, a testament to its enduring power and influence. As a cinematic masterpiece, Get Carter will continue to be celebrated for years to come, a true classic of British gangster cinema.
