When Clint Eastwood's first Italian Western made news in the 60s, the critics were falling over themselves to call the character an "anti-hero," but in truth it was not. In that film, the fact that the main character did not have a name, and, moreover, was a bounty hunter by trade who just happened to set things right along the way, all this was persuasive evidence, to some, that this was an anti-hero. But no, Eastwood's character was simply someone with no name and an unpopular job. Here, ladies and gents, we have the real thing. Garfield's completely unlikable (some would say stupid, some would say annoying) character writ large against the backdrop of one of the most uncomfortable parts of the UK, is the real deal. The astonishing thing about this film is that, if you make it to the end, you will wonder why you did, since there is no little about it that is entertaining by traditional standards. Here is a true anti-hero because, while he makes the noise of a hero, he never quite gets anything right, except maybe the ending, and even that is debatable. Garfield is good. Rebecca Hall is great. Sean Bean plays himself.
Red Riding: The Year of Our Lord 1974
(2009 TV Movie)
Finally a real Anti-hero
30 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers