The General (1927) DVD Review

"The General" reviews

DVD

The General

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2006-08-11 15:01:03

Provider

DVD Review

This black comedy is based on the real-life story of notorious Irish gangster Martin Cahill (Brendan Gleeson) and charts his rise and dramatic fall.

Released in 1998, The General is directed by Oscar-nominated helmer John Boorman and also features Adrian Dunbar and Sean McGinley.

Cahill became an Irish folk hero when he held Dublin in his iron grip during the 1980s with a series of audacious robberies which gained him the nickname 'The General.' While telling the fascinating story of Cahill's life of crime, Boorman investigates his deep-seated resentment of all authority, as Cahill's defiance of and battle with the Irish police force escalates. The plot reaches a violent climax when Cahill and his gang steal valuable paintings and the IRA become involved, invoking devastating consequences for the gang.

Gleeson gives a succinct performance, deftly alternating between a brash master-criminal swagger and a sullen fatalism - giving a real charisma to the thief. But Boorman balances Gleeson's sympathetic portrayal of the thug well, never forgetting to remind us of the danger and desperation inherent in a high-profile life of crime. Switching between tense robberies, playful banter with the police and engrossing character relationships, The General hits just the right notes.

DVD extras include subtitles (useful for Gleeson's thick Irish brogue), audio tracks from the bluesy score, theatrical trailers and textual supplements. It also offers two versions of the film, the black and white theatrical release, and the other in desaturated colour.