Sexy Beasts

Sexy Beasts, directed by Jonathan Glazer, is a British crime thriller released in 2000. It is a captivating film that skilfully blends various genres - a crime movie with elements of dramatic romance and surrealism. The movie boasts an incredible ensemble cast, featuring Raymond Winstone, Ben Kingsley, and Ian McShane, who deliver spellbinding performances and truly bring to life the duality of human nature and the thin line that separates love from obsession, and the commonplace from the extraordinary.

The story centres around Gary 'Gal' Dove (Raymond Winstone), a retired, happily married ex-gangster who lives a tranquil life in the sunny confines of his Spanish villa. With a dark past but a reformed character, Gal is content soaking up the sun by his swimming pool, a stark contrast to the gloomy and risky life he once had in London. His wife, DeeDee (Amanda Redman), is a former porn star, and together they lead a peaceful, non-violent life, far removed from the criminal underworld they once navigated - a testament that people can indeed change.

However, their peaceful existence is disrupted with the arrival of Don Logan (Ben Kingsley), a sociopathic gangster and former colleague. Kingsley's portrayal of Don Logan is deeply unsettling and, at times, terrifying. His explosive temper and relentless coercion serve to initiate the film's central conflict. Logan arrives with instructions from mob boss Teddy Bass (Ian McShane), coercing Gal to partake in a lucrative heist in London.

What unfolds is a tension-filled showdown between Gal's content present and the sinister figures from his past. Throughout the narrative, the film continually challenges notions of masculinity and the concept of a reformed criminal. Raymond Winstone brilliantly portrays a man unwillingly pulled back into crime out of obligation to a "friend" and his own survival instinct, whereas Kingsley, in his Oscar-nominated role, embodies the menacing and terrifying aspect of the underworld.

Filmed in the rugged landscape of Spain and the dreary cityscape of London, Sexy Beasts presents striking visual contrasts. This visual divergence beautifully accompanies the atmospheric tonal shifts within the movie, from the serene opening scenes to the adrenaline-infused build-up and climax. Cinematographer Ivan Bird masterfully contrasts the sun-soaked Spanish landscapes and the cold, grey London surroundings, and this visual juxtaposition intensifies the shift in narrative tone.

Furthermore, director Jonathan Glazer expertly uses nightmarish, surreal elements as metaphors to underline the psychological drama unfolding within the characters, especially in Gal’s journey, as he delves into his worst fears and past life. This use of bizarre and surreal elements sets Sexy Beasts apart from typical British crime dramas and gives it a unique, often unmistakable identity.

In addition to the visual storytelling and direction, the movie excels in its performances. Kingsley's manic and unpredictable persona is a disturbing spectacle to witness, while Winstone's somewhat subdued and nuanced performance offers a beautiful portrayal of a man trying to escape his past. Ian McShane’s mob boss persona also adds to the tapestry of complex characters, exuding menace andgritty charm.

The movie's title, Sexy Beasts, is somewhat deceptive. The film is more a character study and an exploration of the duality of human nature, rather than a sensual, seductive story. The beasts in the story are not attractive or alluring; rather, they are unrelenting, packing a solid punch in a story of redemption, the struggle for freedom, and escaping the past.

To sum up, Sexy Beasts is an engrossing blend of crime drama and surrealism, combined with matching, equally strong performances from its lead cast. It offers a testament to the saying 'a leopard cannot change its spots,' as it examines the volatile life of an ex-gangster pulled back into a world he left behind. Above all, it is a noteworthy movie for fans of the genre and movie enthusiasts who appreciate layered narrative structures, psychologically complex characters, and a non-linear take on the crime thriller genre.