Sexy Beast (4½ Stars)

Who's the sexy beast in the film title? Supposedly it's Gal Dove, a retired gangster played by Ray Winstone. He doesn't look very sexy in this picture. He's put his life of crime behind him. He says that he spent nine years of his life in prison, and he doesn't want to go back. He lives in a remote house in Spain with his wife, a former porn star. Unlike Buster Edwards and his wife, there are no regrets about moving to Spain. They love it. They love the hot weather, they love the food, and they don't miss British culture.

Gal's peace is disturbed by the arrival of Don Logan.

Don is played by Ben Kingsley in the role of his lifetime. He's a former associate of Gal who wants to hire him for a robbery. Gal insists that he's retired, but Don refuses to take No for an answer. They argue. They shout. Neither of them will back down. Something has to give.

The film has been called Tarantino-ish. I can see what they mean. It has distinct similarities with "Reservoir Dogs". The only real difference is the dream sequences. Quentin Tarantino doesn't do dreams.

This was the first film directed by Jonathan Glazer. It's astounding quality for a rookie in the film business. What was his inspiration? In itself, it's a minimalist film, and it's this minimalism that makes the film great. Apart from the dream sequences.

Success Rate:  + 0.4