Last year, to watch Starred Up and frankly, I couldn't care less about it. After all, gritty British crime dramas are a pound a penny in this lucrative business the idea of immersing myself for two hours in the world of prison fights and threats put me off. As for Jack O’Connell, I had loved him in Skins as Cook (loved him too much, some might say,) as well as his bit roles. Because sometimes, seeing actors typecast is a massive shame. Eating my words, Starred Up really delved into tentative and dark places with a knock out performance by Jack O’Connell; astute, emotive and intellectual. And since, my obsession with the young actor has sky-rocketed.
Thankfully, this trend has continued in '71 and boy, aren't we glad it's out on DVD today.