Boy A (2007)

User Rating:

8.1/10   

Director:

John Crowley

Writers:

Jonathan Trigell (novel)
Mark O'Rowe (screenplay)

Release Date:

23 July 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

Who Decides Who Gets A Second Chance?

Plot:

The story of a young ex-con Jack, newly released from serving a prison sentence for a murder he committed as a child. |

Plot Keywords:

Wallet | Jealousy | Bullies | Dance | Bully

Awards:

5 wins & 7 nominations

US Showtimes:

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Cast

Andrew Garfield	...	Jack Burridge
Alfie Owen	...	Eric Wilson
Katie Lyons	...	Michelle
Peter Mullan	...	Terry
Taylor Doherty	...	Philip Craig
Shaun Evans	...	Chris
Anthony Lewis	...	Steve
Siobhan Finneran	...	Kelly
James Young	...	Zeb
Skye Bennett	...	Angela Milton
Victoria Brazier	...	Teacher
Madeleine Rakic-Platt	...	Schoolgirl
Josef Altin	...	Bully
Dudley Brewis	...	2nd Bully
Leigh Symonds	...	Eric's Dad

MPAA:

Rated R for language, sexuality, some disturbing content and brief drug use.

Runtime:

Canada:100 min (Toronto International Film Festival) | USA:100 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Canada:14A | USA:R | Singapore:M18

Filming Locations:

Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, UK

Company:

Cuba Pictures

Movie Connections:

Features Fever Pitch (1997)

A master class in the art of film-making

Few films wowed audiences at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival as much as John Crowley's "Boy A." Scipted by Mark O'Rowe from a Jonathan Trigell novel, "Boy A" is a story-driven mystery which is carried on the shoulders of newcomer Andrew Garfield, in a tour de force performance that dominates the film from opening title to closing credits.

Jack Burridge is leaving prison after a 14-year sentence for a crime he committed as a child. His mentor Terry has been working to gain his release and help him transition into the new world in which he'll live and work under a new identity. It's up to Jack to determine who he wants to be, but it's up to those around him to determine whether or not he will be allowed to do so. It's that challenge which is at the heart of "Boy A." Andrew Garfield ("Doctor Who," "Lions for Lambs") is frighteningly brilliant as Jack. It's his movie to make or break, and this role is sure to be singled out as the launching pad for what is destined to be a notable career. The viewer sees a sweet, sensitive, puppy dog of a young man while his secret past indicates something completely different. We wrestle with that concept as he does himself, and it's an emotional, moving piece of work. As his counselor Terry, Peter Mullan ("Trainspotting," "Children of Men") is the father figure who provides a foundation for Terry's wandering existence. His attempts to keep Jack alive and well are both heartening and heartbreaking.

"Boy A" is visually stunning. The interplay of light and shadow through the use of diffusion filters and silhouette gave me chills. The dramatic manipulation of white light is a seemingly simple device but cuts to the bone. Cinematographer Rob Hardy demonstrates true artistry with camera-work that is often a character in itself. A recurring visual theme using tunnels, alleyways, hallways, and bridges stands out even to the untrained eye. Paddy Cunneen's score makes it clear that this is, at its heart, a tale of intrigue.

Told in flashback, the secrets of "Boy A" are revealed in bits and pieces. The reality of who Jack is becomes more powerful and painful as the film progresses. Garfield is so charismatic, and his Jack so incredibly sympathetic, that this film easily rises to the top of those screened at this year's festival. John Crowley's "Boy A" is a master class in the art of film-making.