When Old Man Peanut speaks, people listen.
The crankiest of the gangsters in “44 Inch Chest” is just one reason to check out the new film from the screenwriters of “Sexy Beast.”
John Hurt plays the crusty gangster with the perfect amount of scenery-munching elan, and he’s joined by some of the best character actors working today.
But the film’s dramatic roots – it began as a stage play – restrict some of the fun from this otherwise muscular drama.
Colin (Ray Winstone) is in a stupor when the film opens. He’s lying on the floor of his home amidst broken glass, the syrupy “Can’t Live If Living is Without You” playing in the backdrop.
His beloved wife is leaving him for another, younger man, and he can’t process the bad news.
His friends, however, jump into action. They kidnap the wife’s paramour – who goes by Loverboy – and deposit him in front of Colin.
Torture him, beat him … or even kill him, they say. Whatever strikes your fancy. But what will Colin do?
“Chest” gathers a near dream cast including Tom Wilkinson, Hurt and Ian McShane, the latter showing his fey side as Meredith, a gay thug whose thoroughly comfortable in his own skin.
Colin’s pals talk, and talk some more while their friend considers his next step, the conversations revealing plenty about the characters and where they fall on the masculinity spectrum.
The dialogue is raw and unrelenting – if you blanch at the “C” word please avoid the film at all costs – but delivered with brio by all involved. And the film’s x-ray of how men puff out their chests in times of crisis remains fascinating through the film’s waning moments.
“44 Inch Chest” ends with a whimper all the same, a shock given the theatrical fireworks on display. It’s still a mistake to pass up a movie with such juicy acting and ripe dialogue.
And you don’t want to make Old Man Peanut even madder than he already is, do you?
(Photo: The cast of “44 Inch Chest” from left to right – Ian McShane, Tom Wilkinson, Ray Winstone (seated) John Hurt and Stephen Dillane./Image Entertainment)
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