 | Starring: Clive Owen, Malcolm McDowell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Charlotte Rampling, Jamie Foreman Director: Mike Hodges Format: Colour Dolby DVD-Video Widescreen NTSC Released: 16 Nov 2004 Average Rating:  |
The title appears to reflect Owen's portrayal of Will, a haunted, restless wanderer whose job is never done. His hypnotic characterisation could, perhaps, be mistaken for lack of emotion, yet it is clear that Will possesses a great inner turmoil that has been instilled in him by his dark past. Rhys-Myers' astounding interpretation of an abused Davey also contributes to the superb quality of the leading cast. This illustrates that 'I'll Sleep When I'm Dead' is not your average brainless Brit-gangster film, & instead is a terrifying insight into the corruption of the mind.
Drawing on the valuable experience gained from his previous successes, 'Croupier' & 'Get Carter', Hodges has clearly enjoyed the chance to confidently play with a style & plot that offers such exciting possibilities. However, screenwriter Trevor Preston's rich & emotive script unfortunately appears less succinct than it was perhaps intended. An extremely promising start fizzles out into a collection of long-winded scenes that lack direction & could have been quicker & sharper. The film encapsulates the prelude to the taste of revenge, & when the finale does finallly arrive it is a disappointing anti-climax.
The film boils down to a bitter yet simple revenge tale, which fails to inspire & doesn't reallly lead anywhere. Revenge may be sweet enough for Will to taste, yet cannot bring his brother back because "the dead are dead". If this is designed to be the moral of the story it is arguably insufficient in keeping the audience riveted. Despite skilful direction & acting for the most part, audiences may feel let down by this film.
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