Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Anthony Welsh | ... | Leo Roberts | |
Elsa Mollien | ... | Nadia Melgueira | |
Mem Ferda | ... | Ilir Duka | |
Max Wrottesley | ... | Gjon Duka | |
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Sophie Anderson | ... | Candy |
Chloe Farnworth | ... | Angel | |
Philip Rosch | ... | Peter Westlake | |
Zephryn Taitte | ... | Michael da Costa | |
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Anne-Marie Hughes | ... | Lara |
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Paul Nash | ... | Baz Archer |
Grahame Fox | ... | Ron Marsh | |
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Adam Cole | ... | Patrice Larrieu |
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Joanna Howden | ... | Student |
Simon DeSilva | ... | Alexei | |
Andy Gillies | ... | Bob Norbright |
Seduced by the instant rewards of criminal activity, LEO ROBERTS (Anthony Welsh) enters the shadowy underground world of strip clubs, saunas, drugs and prostitution. Blinded by the potential power and prestige, Leo is convinced he is in control, only to realise that he has to start playing by a different set of rules. The rules set by crime boss ILIR DUKA (Mem Ferda). Leo's chosen path, soon spirals out of control, where the stakes keep getting higher and higher, until there is no turning back. Written by Nicole Gregory
DirtyMoney is a very understated and simple film that manages to stay true to the Gangster film norms without ever falling foul of its clichés.
Rather than exaggerate the life of an urban criminal with extensive gunplay, car chases and witty one-liners the film takes a serious and considered look at highs and lows of (mostly) victimless crime.
Those extremes aren't a Goodfellas type romp; the voice-over tells us more than the images, and there's a quiet satisfaction supported by only muted displays of extravagance. Similarly the lows are captured in the expressions of the actors more than their actions, letting the audience empathise rather than be a voyeur.
This could have made DirtyMoney a great film, something Anthony Welsh's performance deserves. Unfortunately it instead left me detached, observing without participating in the film and its story, and at times confused by the actions and motives of key characters.
Overall it's worth watching and a fine alternative take on the classic British gangster genre. Just not one to watch a second time.