> REVIEW
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Tyrannosaur (2011)
A very human drama…
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By Samuel Barnett | October 2011
Optimum Releasing ©
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Paddy Considine
It’s always intriguing when a much-applauded actor tries their hand at directing; transitioning from the spotlight in front of the camera to the shadows behind it.
Paddy Considine’s feature debut Tyrannosaur follows Joseph (Peter Mullan), a depressed and volatile man. A deeply buried psychological trauma causes Joseph to lose his temper on a regular basis, which leads to confrontation with everyone and anyone around town. Joseph enters a charity shop for a moment of solace and meets Hannah (Olivia Colman), a seemingly compassionate and caring character. The two lost souls quickly forge a platonic bond, until one of them reveals a secret that will test their new found friendship.
Like many a British debut, Tyrannosaur opts to examine the effects of male (and female) aggression on society; while the obligatory theme of domestic violence lingers throughout. Similarities to British alternatives Nil By Mouth (1997) & Red Road (2006) are unavoidable, and yet surprisingly it’s with the Korean movie Breathless (2008) that Tyrannosaur truly shares its narrative approach.
Considine breaks no new ground thematically but it is the way in which he explores these themes which gives Tyrannosaur such a fresh and powerful appeal. Rather than pigeonhole his characters, he brutally exposes them in a thorough and painfully honest manner.
The direction is effective throughout. Set against a gritty and dreary British backdrop, some may find it too depressing, but Considine manages to evoke beauty even in the film’s darkest moments.
Dialogue is snappy if minimal, with more emphasis placed on the visual image to move the story forward. Controlled, detailed editing and character close-ups provide all the character development we need until the final cathartic and truly moving moments.
Performances are fantastic across the board; Mullan and Colman present us with two of the best turns of the year. Colman in particular makes her stunning breakthrough performance, showing vulnerability and strength in equal measure. A far cry from her usual light hearted comedy persona (Peep show, Hot Fuzz), she arguably displays the most convincing portrayal of a domestic abuse victim ever conceived on screen .
Tyrannosaur can prove difficult and challenging but is entirely rewarding. The only real gripe comes with the final (albeit beautifully written) monologue that rather ham-fistedly spells out the film’s metaphors and arguments.
Script…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Delicate and engaging. Tyrannosaur’s characters and narrative are developed through expertly crafted action. 4
Direction………………………………………………………………………………………..
Following in the same vein as current British directors Andrea Arnold and
Shane Meadows, Considine’s assured direction marks him as talent to watch. 4
Verdict…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Bold, challenging and compassionate. This is British realism at its most hardcore
and beautiful. 4
