This is substantially better than ninety per cent of the British gangster pictures shown on the TV station London Live, that repository of films that can't get screenings anywhere else. It's written and directed with flair by Andy Bloom and Mark Abraham respectively; and although, as another reviewer has pointed out, it owes a debt to Tarantino, it's no slavish imitation. Joe Cole is convincing as a heroin addict required to crack open a safe at a farmhouse where rival gangsters are soon at each other's throats. Dialogue is to the point and unaffected and it's no surprise that, despite their inexperience, Bloom and Abraham were able to secure a distinguished cast including Peter Bowles and Alison Steadman in cameos. Film doesn't outstay its welcome but would have been even more effective without the scenes of Cole talking to the ghost of his grandfather, a nothing part for the ubiquitous Phil Davis. But all in all a commendable effort that makes us look forward to whatever these new film-makers may try next.
Review of Peterman
