A Sense Of Freedom (DVD)

...impact but the following is a brief outline.
This film is based on the book by notorius Glaswegian hardman Jimmy Boyle. Whilst the autobiography covers Boyle's childhood and rise to a leading hardman, the film begins with Boyle at the top. The first part of the film sets the scene. Boyle is the head of a crew controlling part of Glasgow. Early scenes demonstrate how feared he is as a money lender and how he has to be always aware of the rival ...
...lifted from the book where a gang ambushes him and leaves him for dead. His utter determination not to be seen as weak is a recurrent theme in his story.
It is made pretty obvious from early on, just how much animosity and mistrust exists between Boyle and the authorities. When he is convicted of a murder (something to which he denies being guilty), the story moves to how he, other lifers and his guards cope with incarceration. There is no ... more

The Plot
To say too much about the film's episodes would be to spoil the impact but the following is a brief outline.
This film is based on the book by notorius Glaswegian hardman Jimmy Boyle. Whilst the autobiography covers Boyle's childhood and rise to a leading hardman, the film begins with Boyle at the top. The first part of the film sets the scene. Boyle is the head of a crew controlling part of Glasgow. Early scenes demonstrate how feared he is as a money lender and how he has to be always aware of the rival gangs who want to move in on his territory. Whilst the violence is not particularly graphic (by todays standards) and over used, the dour style of the film and the performances adequately convey the sense of menace. Anyone who has seen the better known Scum or The Long Good Friday will have an idea of the feel of this film. Boyle's legendary toughness is demonstrated in an episode lifted from the book where a gang ambushes him and leaves him for dead. His utter determination not to be seen as weak is a recurrent theme in his story.
It is made pretty obvious from early on, just how much animosity and mistrust exists between Boyle and the authorities. When he is convicted of a murder (something to which he denies being guilty), the story moves to how he, other lifers and his guards cope with incarceration. There is no heavy handed symbolism in the way Boyle is shown losing his sense of humanity over years of imprisonment and abuse. His escape within himself and away from the norm is portrayed very well by the lead actor, David Hayman. His deterioration and alienation is quite alarming but in equal measure, his defiance and strength not to compromise induces respect. Though concerntrating on Boyle and his agonies of years inside, you get to see what the warders have to endure. This is not conveyed through lengthy speeches but by what you see. This is a story about the system - Boyle's experiences happen to illustrate the problems for both prisoner and warder in the extreme. It sheds light on whether imprisonment and the forms this takes, really solves the problems of crime in the most constructive way.
This is not comfortable viewing but the climax to the film gives hope. As in keeping with the rest of the film, the end is underplayed but powerful and thoughtful. I will not expand on the climax because it needs to be seen and is self-explanatory. When a film is based on a true story, it always adds credence and this would not have been half as effective had it been fiction.
You do mainly get Boyle's point of view but there is enough insight in to the minds of the authorities to redress the balance and offer an alternative perspective to the problem of the system of punishment. I would have hoped that the ending could have been extended because though powerful on screen, the book progresses further on into Boyle's life and adjustment and this would have been entertaining to see on film.
It has to be said that the film does look dated but that is not a negative in the context of the story and the themes are as relevant now as then.

The Cast/Crew
There are no big names in this which is good. The films power lies in the way that these are believable characters and you can get the sense more of a fly on the wall documentary than actors playing a part. To be taken seriously this has to look authentic. As such Hayman is not some huge muscle bound hulk of a man but a man with a presence, as I believe Boyle is supposed to be in reality. It is the nerve and bloody-minded will to never let any weakness be seen or to ever be beaten that makes the character so powerful. You cannot completely empathise with a man like Boyle but you can admire his determination.
John MacKenzie, who diected this, also shot Long Good Friday.. this is more of a heavyweight.

The Extras
There is a biography and extensive interview with Boyle himself. I said above that I wished the film had not ended where it did in Boyle's life, but if you watch the interview on the extras then all the themes raised by the film are discussed. this is the most detailed interview I have seen on a dvd. Like the film it is pretty dour stuff but it is very thought provoking and worthwhile.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes British films and crime. There is nothing to confuse this with the appalling film 'The Krays'. This is a much more worthwhile project.

I managed to get this from play.com but I would suggest that you might look for second hand as it took me some time to get hold of this dvd. I would like to warn anyone that this is the sort of fim that is very worthwhile, but if you buy it it is not something that you will want to watch repeatedly. If it could be rented, that would probably be ideal. 

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