Get Carter (1971) – Review

Full-time London gangster, part-time abusive asshole, Jack Carter (Caine) decides to go home and dig into his brother Frank’s death, which has been ruled as a car accident. His goon buddies warn him not to, as the locals won’t take kindly to his poking around.

Jack is fresh outta fucks to give, so he takes the train and readies his mind and body. He suspects something is up with his brother’s death, despite the cops being satisfied. No one trusts them anyway. Arriving in Newcastle, Carter starts things off at the pub naturally.

Following informational tidbits and leads sends Carter deep into multiple criminal activities, which he is familiar with and navigates dangers adeptly. Always at ease even when threatened, this is a man to be reckoned with. You may not love him as a person, but he does make for an interesting watch.

Get Carter is a good crime flick and story which is based on a book and well-cast with Michael Caine in the lead role as a tough guy asshole on a violent tear through crime’s underbelly. The nuanced shots throughout the film are well-framed, pull the viewer into the show and provide subtle details.

The characters are layered and adequately presented, and the plot moves along nicely with good mystery and revenge themes, but it is definitely not a feel-good film. The pacing is slower than contemporary films, but it remains well crafted.