by Jennifer Drewett
There are many films that come and go at the blink of an eye so fast you wonder why anyone made a fuss over it. Other films, rightly or wrongly, live on in the collective consciousness of the cinema attending public.
A lot of them come from the jaws of Hollywood but one I want people to Hit Play on comes from mid-nineties Edinburgh, Scotland. Of course I'm talking about Danny Boyle's debut film Shallow Grave.
There are many films that come and go at the blink of an eye so fast you wonder why anyone made a fuss over it. Other films, rightly or wrongly, live on in the collective consciousness of the cinema attending public.
A lot of them come from the jaws of Hollywood but one I want people to Hit Play on comes from mid-nineties Edinburgh, Scotland. Of course I'm talking about Danny Boyle's debut film Shallow Grave.
Shallow Grave follows the story of three housemates; chartered accountant David Stephens, hospital doctor Juliet Miller and journalist Alex Law, who share a flat in Edinburgh, Scotland. They get a new housemate Hugo who, shortly after moving in, is found dead with a large suitcase full of money. The trio decide to keep the death a secret, dismember his body in the woods and incinerating parts at the hospital Juliet works for. The problem is that drug dealers are trying to track Hugo and the suitcase has caused friction between the housemates. Starring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston and Kerry Fox, this is a brilliant psychological thriller rich in paranoia and violence.
Tthis film was made on such a tight budget; so much so that the production team had to sell off parts of their set just to finish production. You wouldn't guess how low finances were with the spectacular product and look seen on the screen. Whilst it's basic, it's effective which goes to show that CGI and extravagant outfits aren't always necessary for a lush looking film. The mise-en-scene works wonders and shows a more refined, middle class image of Scotland especially in comparison to Boyle's next film Trainspotting.
Tthis film was made on such a tight budget; so much so that the production team had to sell off parts of their set just to finish production. You wouldn't guess how low finances were with the spectacular product and look seen on the screen. Whilst it's basic, it's effective which goes to show that CGI and extravagant outfits aren't always necessary for a lush looking film. The mise-en-scene works wonders and shows a more refined, middle class image of Scotland especially in comparison to Boyle's next film Trainspotting.
One of the biggest strengths of the film lies in the cast. This is McGregor's debut feature film role but you wouldn't believe it from his performance. Confident, fresh and full of energy it is quite hard to hate his cheeky Alex. His character is an excellent contrast to Eccleston's serious, firm David whose belief that he is right is the clear downfall of our protagonists. In the middle of the two men stands Fox's Juliet who is flirtatious and smart yet holds a devious side desperate to get away on the high ground. The combination of these characters is toxic yet a sight to behold with each actor bringing alive these cold yet fascinating people at the very beginning of their careers.
This film is wonderfully put together and very worth watching multiple times. Having studied it whilst studying Scottish cinema in Film Studies A-level, I've loved it since the first time I saw it. There are many fantastic moments but some of the best definitely include the flatmate interviews the main trio conduct whilst finding a housemate (it's worth noting this segment features a cameo from McGregor's Mum), the all-out fight the trio have towards the climax of the film for the money and the twist ending that is so good it's got to be seen to be believed. One of my personal best bits is when Alex is discussing dismembering Hugo with Juliet and comes out with the line: "But you're a doctor; you kill people everyday!"
If you haven't already seen this film go straight to somewhere that sells DVDs, buy a copy and watch it immediately!
This film is wonderfully put together and very worth watching multiple times. Having studied it whilst studying Scottish cinema in Film Studies A-level, I've loved it since the first time I saw it. There are many fantastic moments but some of the best definitely include the flatmate interviews the main trio conduct whilst finding a housemate (it's worth noting this segment features a cameo from McGregor's Mum), the all-out fight the trio have towards the climax of the film for the money and the twist ending that is so good it's got to be seen to be believed. One of my personal best bits is when Alex is discussing dismembering Hugo with Juliet and comes out with the line: "But you're a doctor; you kill people everyday!"
If you haven't already seen this film go straight to somewhere that sells DVDs, buy a copy and watch it immediately!
Want To Read More?
See our Essentials on Ewan McGregor
Or another 1990's classic starring Christopher Eccleston Let Him Have It
Are you a Shallow Grave Fan? Let us know in the comments!
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