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OBS at the Movies
HARRY BROWN 2010 Review by Ron Covington
This is a solidly written crime drama that is very violent and unrelenting in it’s depiction of brutality but it also focuses on character. This examination of character gives the film a more focused story arc than DEATH WISH which tended to be episodic.
Sir Michael Caine is brilliant in the lead as is Emily Mortimer as a detective who seems to be the only one who realizes or cares about the larger implications of Harry rubbing folks out.
From a writer’s perspective this is a good example of how a script can move forward with minimal dialogue and strong visuals. Also there is great care in presenting the details of Harry’s action. We feel like we know this man without him telling us too much.
Ron Covington is a former Disney and Cosby Writing Fellow. Currently with two TV projects and a stage musical in development, he’s added executive producer to his skill set.
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HARRY BROWN concerns
an elderly ex-marine whose ailing wife slips away in the hospital.
Harry’s best friend, Leonard, another feisty old guy, plays chess
with Harry everyday at the local pub. Leonard complains to Harry
how the local thugs have been harassing him and shows Harry a
bayonet he’s going to use in confronting the young punks. Harry
urges Leonard to go to the cops. Leonard says he’s already been and
it has done no good. Later Harry is visited by a policewoman and
her male partner. They tell Harry Leonard has been murdered. The
police question the suspected gang but can’t get anywhere. Harry
buys a gun from a local drug dealer and takes matters into his own
hands. What follows is logical but there are some interesting
political implications and an unexpected personal connection to
Leonard’s murderer.