| Get Carter | |
|---|---|
 Original UK film poster by Arnaldo Putzu | |
| Directed by | Mike Hodges |
| Screenplay by | Mike Hodges |
| Based on | Jack's Return Home by Ted Lewis |
| Produced by | Michael Klinger |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Wolfgang Suschitzky |
| Edited by | John Trumper |
| Music by | Roy Budd |
| Color process | Metrocolor |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | MGM-EMI Distributors |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 112 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | £750,000[1][2] |
Get Carter is a 1971 British gangster film, written and directed by Mike Hodges in his directorial debut and starring Michael Caine, Ian Hendry, John Osborne, Britt Ekland and Bryan Mosley.[3] Based on Ted Lewis's 1970 novel Jack's Return Home, the film follows the eponymous Jack Carter (Caine), a London gangster who returns to his hometown in North East England after his brother's death. Suspecting foul play, and with vengeance on his mind, he investigates and interrogates, regaining a feel for the city and its hardened-criminal element.
Producer Michael Klinger optioned Lewis's novel shortly after its publication and made a deal with the ailing Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) to finance and release the film, making Get Carter the last project to be approved by the studio's Borehamwood division before its closure. The production went from novel to finished film in 10 months, with principal photography taking place from July to September 1970 in and around Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead and County Durham. Hodges, Klinger and Caine intended to create a more realistic portrayal of violence and criminal behaviour than had previously been seen in British films: Caine, who also served as an uncredited co-producer, incorporated aspects of criminal acquaintances into his characterisation of Carter, while Hodges conducted research into the criminal underworld of Newcastle, in particular the one-armed bandit murder. Cinematographer Wolfgang Suschitzky worked with Hodges to give scenes a naturalistic feel, drawing heavily on their backgrounds in documentary films.
Turning a respectable profit upon its initial UK release, Get Carter initially attracted mixed reviews. Critics grudgingly appreciated the film's technical achievements and Caine's performance while criticising the complex plot, violence and amorality, in particular Carter's apparent lack of remorse for his actions.[1] American critics were generally more enthusiastic, but the film languished on the drive-in circuit, while MGM focused its resources on producing Hit Man, a blaxploitation-themed remake of the film.
Get Carter eventually garnered a cult following, and further endorsements from directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie led to the film being critically re-evaluated,[4] with its depiction of class structure and life in 1970s Britain and Roy Budd's minimalist jazz score receiving considerable praise.[5] In 1999, Get Carter was ranked 16th on the BFI Top 100 British films of the 20th century; five years later, a survey of British film critics in Total Film magazine chose it as the greatest British film of all time.[6] A poorly received second remake under the same title was released in 2000, with Sylvester Stallone portraying Jack Carter and Caine in a supporting role.
- ^ a b Mayer, Geoff (2003). Guide to British Cinema (Reference Guides to the World's Cinema). Greenwood Press. p. 149. ISBN 978-0-313-30307-4. Archived from the original on 14 April 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2016.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Klingerwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Get Carter". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ Crossan, Rob (12 September 2009). "Defining Moment: 'Get Carter' rewrites the gangster movie, March 1971". Financial Times Magazine. Archived from the original on 10 December 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2012.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
AFIwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Get Carter tops British film poll". BBC News. 3 October 2004. Archived from the original on 15 May 2006. Retrieved 6 April 2012.