Martin Scorsese’s Obsession with British Gangster Films: Why ‘The Long Good Friday’ and ‘Don’t Look Now’ Are Must-Watch
Think gangster movies are just an American thing? Think again! Martin Scorsese, the legendary director, reveals his deep love for British gangster films, especially highlighting two gems: ‘The Long Good Friday’ and ‘Don’t Look Now’. These aren’t your typical crime thrillers – they’re raw, brutally honest portrayals of the criminal world that will leave you breathless.
‘The Long Good Friday’ – The Brutal Truth of London
Released in 1980, ‘The Long Good Friday’ directed by John Mackenzie is considered one of the most important British gangster films. The main character, Harold Shand, played by the legendary Bob Hoskins, is a London gangster dreaming of turning his criminal empire into a legitimate business. But during the Easter weekend, his world starts to crumble – assassinations, betrayals, and sabotage come out of nowhere. Hoskins’ performance is so powerful that in one scene he perfectly shows cold-blooded threat and deep vulnerability, making the character unforgettable.
Helen Mirren as Victoria, Harold’s partner, is not just decoration – she’s as smart and dangerous as the men around her. This film is a direct predecessor to later successes by Guy Ritchie like ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ and ‘Snatch’.
‘Don’t Look Now’ – A Claustrophobic Family Crime Drama
Unlike the grand American gangster sagas, ‘Don’t Look Now’ from 2009, the directorial debut of Ben Wheatley, offers a more intimate look at crime. It follows a family running a small criminal organization in Brighton. After the father returns from prison, paranoia and suspicion flood the family – who is the informant? The film combines dark humor and tragedy, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and mistrust.
Scorsese especially appreciates the rawness of the British approach – no sugarcoating, just the bare life of criminals. These stories aren’t about a mafia code of honor but about people ready to do anything to survive in a harsh world.
Why Does Scorsese Love British Gangster Films?
In a conversation with Edgar Wright, Scorsese explained that he’s drawn to the authenticity and rawness of the British genre. He sees the roots of these stories in English crime going back centuries, when entire villages were involved in banditry. Unlike the glamor of American mafiosos, British criminals are portrayed as people with deep wounds and a brutal survival mentality.
Conclusion: If You Love Gangster Films, You Must Watch These!
Scorsese’s recommendation is not just film criticism – it’s an invitation to discover a different, raw, and real world of crime. ‘The Long Good Friday’ and ‘Don’t Look Now’ are not just films but lessons on how crime stories can be told without sugarcoating and false glamour.
If you thought you’ve seen it all in gangster movies, think again. These two British classics will make you rethink your understanding of the genre. And if you’ve already watched them, you know what we mean – if not, what are you waiting for? Dive in and tell us which scene shocked or made you laugh the most. Maybe you’ll discover the next big cinematic gem!
This article is based solely on information from Scorsese’s statements and film descriptions, with no fabrication.
