Starred Up

Dir: David Mackenzie

2013

****

'Starred up' is the term used when a prisoner held in a Young Offenders Institution is transferred to an Adult prison earlier than is usual. It's a sign that the prisoner is perhaps mature enough, some would say strong enough, to handle being among adult inmates. It comes with some weight and can suggest to other inmates that they are somewhat wild and certainly tough, with a possible reputation. It is the best British prison drama since 2008's Hunger but is more of a successor to Alan Clarke's 1979 cult classic Scum. Its impact is due to the film's realism, this is because of certain key elements. Firstly, the film is set in a real prison. It looks and feels like what most people in the country recognize as what a prison is really like and it is. Secondly, writer Jonathan Asser based the story on his own experiences working as a voluntary therapist at HM Prison Wandsworth. The film's young star, the hugely impressive Jack O'Connell, also had experience of the British justice system. O'Connell was a 'victim of his surroundings' as a youth and spent time at her majesties pleasure. His experiences have clearly served him well though as his performance is frighteningly realistic. Include some solid performances from Rupert Friend as a voluntary therapist, Sam Spruell as the irksome Deputy Governor and the man with many faces Peter Ferdinando as the prison's top dog and you've got the perfect drama. The cherry is Ben Mendelsohn as O'Connell's would be father, also doing time in the same establishment. Mendelsohn is the king of unpredictable and often volatile performance. His character is rather complicated as in some respects he has to serve as an obvious influence towards his son's behaviour and on the other hand, he can't be seen to be anything other than one of the prison's main contenders. He is torn between wanting his son to stand on his own two feet and wanting to protect him from prison life. The scenes between Mendelsohn and O'Connell are electric in their intensity. The script and story are very clever, certain things are intentionally never explained and the all the usual prison drama clichés are handed in upon entry. Impressive considering the small budget, proving once again that idea and performance are key.