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Cracker - Best Boys [1995]


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McGovern's usual gritty and disturbing style
Review date: 2007-03-21 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is perhaps one of the most moving and saddening, yet disturbing 'Cracker' episodes. It follows the rage-fuelled lives of a young man, Bill Nash and his older boss, Stuart Grady, who embark on a semi-crime spree. The relationship between the two men is never fully revealed, but the viewer is left believing that it is a homosexual one. Both of these actors are convincing, their performances affecting.

McGovern takes his usual insightful look at ordinary people and the human condition, sensitively showing the viewer the phenomenon known as 'Folieadeux', which is the meeting of two individuals who, when in a relationship, can often resort to acts of intense violence or crime. This begins with the murdering of the older of the two's landlord, when she calls them a variety of offensive names.

The two then embark on a getaway, Bonnie and Clyde style, which involves a couple of other murders, including the rather brutal murder of a social worker, played by Paul Barber (Denzil from Only Fools And Horses). This murder scene is undoubtedly the most disturbing scene, depicting the intense and scary combination of both men's rage. Be warned, this scene is frightening and unnerving, but also very, very convincing.

As usual, Robbie Coltrane is nothing short of captivating, stealing every scene he is in with his charisma, whilst the sub-plot describes the depression of Fitz' wife Judith, in the wake of her giving birth to their child.

McGovern's script is nothing short of gripping, and always realistic. It also frequently sad and sensitive. The childhood events of Bill Nash are slowly revealed in all their tragedy, offering some explanation for why he turned out the way he did. As always, McGovern ties his usual blend of social commentary and provoking thought, leaving the viewer mulling the plot over in their head, even after the programme is finished. McGovern's script also examines homosexuality and society's attitudes towards it. Fitz' insight's into the human psyche help the aspect of the plot along superbly, giving the viewer greater understanding of the programme's central characters.

That McGovern can provoke thought in his viewers to such an extent proves he is one of the most gifted British scriptwriters in a long, long time.

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Reviews


Good but not quite up to the usual brilliant standard
Review date: 2006-09-03 Rating: 8 out of 10

This episode centres around a homosexual (or at least homoerotic) relationship between a troubled young man called Bill and a factory supervisor called Grady. After an initial attraction they become mutually dependent.

Grady's landlady is the first person they murder, then they convince themselves that they have to murder again in order to stay together.

This is also the episode that includes Jimmy Beck's funeral. (Good riddance to bad rubbish!!!) Boo Hiss.

As you would expect from a Cracker episode, the acting and writing is of a high standard. However, this wasn't one of the episodes that I enjoyed the most and I found the relationship between the two men to be not quite believable.

Still worth a watch.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Robbie Coltrane
Geraldine Somerville
Barbara Flynn
Ricky Tomlinson
Clive Russell

Creators:
Robbie Coltrane (Primary Contributor)
Barbara Flynn (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: ITV DVD
Manufacturer: ITV DVD
EAN: 5037115221131
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-10-16
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1995
Language: English (Original Language)

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