Powerfully performed if deeply unpleasant, this is a slightly unreal gay-gangster drama based on a play by director Jez Butterworth which had rather more impact on stage than it does on screen, where the garish period (Soho, 1958) design only heightens one's feeling of unease about the whole project. Harold Pinter has a particularly objectionable character to play as the entrepreneur attempting to seduce (in both senses) rock star Silver Johnny (Hans Matheson's best film performance) away from his club owner/manager, who is soon found sawn in half in separate dustbins. Worth sitting through for the acting, but only if you aren't easily offended and have a strong constitution. Andy (Gollum) Serkis and Ricky Tomlinson have supporting roles.

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