Get Carter (1971)

Get Carter (1971)

7/10

Starring

Michael Caine

Directed by Mike Hodges

To be honest, after seeing Sylvester Stallone’s version of Get Carter (2000), I wasn’t overly thrilled or ready to see another revenge plot like the one the movie was based on. Stallone’s version of Get Carter lacked excitement and thrill—it felt more like watching one of those failed action B-movies where the cast seemed more interested in the paycheck than the movie itself.

The Stallone’s version had too many camera tricks, especially in the car rides, that made the movie sometimes feel claustrophobic.

On a boring weekday, I decided to take a chance and watch the original version, where Michael Caine played Jack Carter. The first thing that jumps out at you is the difference in delivery and direction. This difference made me dislike the Stallone version even more. In the remake, Carter was portrayed as an indestructible individual who cared too much about how his actions played out and who they affected. Here, Carter feels real—he makes mistakes, almost gets killed, and runs when he’s outnumbered or in a compromising position. Michael Caine’s Carter doesn’t care how his actions endanger others, leaving you to either like him as an anti-hero or hate him.

The movie follows Jack Carter (Caine), a London gangster who returns to his hometown to uncover the truth behind his brother Frank’s death. Suspecting foul play, Jack begins to investigate and interrogate the townspeople, discovering that there’s more to Frank’s death than he was led to believe.

His actions and investigation spark violence around him, leading to deaths and a tragic ending.

Due to the intense violence and Carter’s uncaring attitude about how his actions affect others, the movie was poorly received in the UK when it was initially released (though the opposite was true in the US). Over the years, however, the film has gained a cult following and is now regarded as one of the best British movies ever made. It’s ranked 16th in the BFI Top 100 British films, and Total Film magazine ranked it the best British film ever made (based on British film critics).

For me, the movie was fascinating, and I fully enjoyed how they made Carter feel like a real gangster—focused on getting the job done, no matter who gets hurt along the way. Caine’s portrayal of Carter is worth recognizing, and for all Caine fans out there, this is a movie you need in your collection.