The feature film debut of Paddy Considine sees the actor – best known for appearing in such films as The Bourne Identity and his frequent collaborations with Shane Meadows – channel the spirits of UK filmmakers such as Ken Loach, Mike Leigh and Alan Clarke whilst ploughing his own unique furrow. Whilst placed firmly in the ‘social realist’ end of British cinema, Considine has created a distinct – and often difficult – piece of work that muses upon the nature of violence, the dangers of repressed emotion and the façade of middle class existence.
Tyrannosaur centres upon Joseph (Peter Mullan), a lonely alcoholic who is prone to fits of rage. After one anger filled moment, Joseph finds himself hiding in a second hand store where he meets Hannah (Olivia Colman), a mild-mannered Christian who has an uncanny ability to defuse and deal with Joseph’s rage. An unlikely friendship blossoms between the two, as Hannah begins to enter Joseph’s world of smoke filled pubs and grey surroundings whilst Joseph learns more about Hannah’s suburban lifestyle. But both have their demons to face and whilst it would seem Joseph is the one with problems, Hannah has hidden secrets of her own.
Starting out life as the BAFTA award-winning short Dog Altogether (which is included on the DVD), Tyrannosaur is something of a labour of love for Considine as it’s often an intimate and personal piece of work. Whilst utilising the typical mores of social-realist drama – imposing and bleak council estates (the film was shot in Leeds) and a cast of supporting characters whose sole purpose in life seems to be on of intimidating those around them – Considine moves beyond the clichés that are often inherent in this type of British film. This is partly because of the interesting examination of class in the film. Whilst many films concentrate on the (so-called) underclass and their poverty, here we’re presented with a clash between working and middle class values as much as we are with what makes individuals tick. The scenes in which Joseph berates Hannah for her ‘privilege’ compared with the truth of the life that she leads reveal the struggles and danger inherent in too much aspiration. And, while there is a tangible feel of despair throughout the film, there’s also a subtle warmth and humour that hints at something better.
Mullan once again shows why he is one of the best actors in the world today giving a performance that veers from the quietly terrifying to the affectingly touching. Scenes such as the one in which he explains the film’s title are perfectly judged and fizzle with tones of past regrets and self-loathing. But as good as Mullan is, it’s Colman who gives the most outstanding performance. Known to most for her years of appearing in sitcoms and sketch-shows, she displays an enormous versatility and range. The path that her character takes – which could have been wildly melodramatic in the wrong hands – is utterly believable thanks to her understated yet powerful performance. There’s also some great support from Paul Popplewell as Bod (a frightening portrayal of every tattoo laden thug that has ever walked the housing estates whilst Eddie Marsan gives a spectacularly disturbing performance as Hannah’s husband.
Tyrannosaur most remarkable achievement is to breathe new life into the social-realism movement that has typified – and often hindered – the UK’s national cinematic output. Considine’s austere yet assured approach in his debut feature bodes well for the future and show that there is hope for the UK industry beyond a multitude of King’s Speech clones.
The DVD & Blu-Ray extras – which were unavailable for review – include ‘The Making of Tyrannosaur’ Booklet, Audio Commentary with Director Paddy Considine, Dog Altogether Short, Deleted Scenes, Stills Gallery and Trailer
Tyrannosaur is released on DVD & Blu-Ray on 6th February by Studio Canal