“Let Him Have It” is a 1991 British historical drama about a mentally challenged young man named Derek Bentley who is executed for a crime he may not have committed. The film explores themes of justice, prejudice, and the power of authority. It’s a powerful portrayal of one of the most infamous legal cases in British history.
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Review
In 1991, the film “Let Him Have It” hit the big screens in Britain. Directed by Peter Medak and written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, this movie is a powerful drama based on a true story that happened in post-WWII England.
The film narrates the story of Derek Bentley (played by Christopher Eccleston), a young man with learning difficulties who is caught up in a botched burglary attempt. His accomplice, Chris Craig (played by Paul Reynolds), is armed with a gun, and when confronted by the police, Derek shouts out, “Let him have it!” Craig then shoots and kills one of the police officers. This triggers an intense legal battle that leads to Derek’s execution.
The plot of “Let Him Have It” is emotionally charged, as it deals with several important themes such as justice, discrimination against people with disabilities, and capital punishment. The script is gripping and well-researched, gathering information from official court records and testimonies of witnesses.
The cast members portray their roles remarkably well. Christopher Eccleston delivers an unforgettable performance as Derek Bentley. His portrayal of a young man trapped in an unfair system is raw and authentic. Paul Reynolds also fits his role perfectly as Chris Craig – he captures the psychosis that can drive someone to commit murder.
The film has received numerous accolades for its direction and script. Howard Shore contributes tremendously to the movie’s score, evoking deep emotions through his sweeping orchestral arrangements.
Filming “Let Him Have It” was not without its challenges. The movie was shot entirely on location in London during the winter months when natural light was scarce. The director had to make use of artificial light throughout filming sessions while dealing with harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, and snow.
Cinematography-wise though ‘Let Him Have It’ deserves special mention because it adds another dimension to this already highly moving film. Medak and director of photography, Oliver Stapleton, worked together to create a series of striking shots that are both haunting and poignant.
However, despite the successful reception of “Let Him Have It” amongst film critics, it was not a commercial hit in the UK. Many speculate that this could be attributed to its controversial subject matter and the powerful emotions it evokes.
The movie’s production received some backlash from certain factions who believed that it was inappropriate to make a movie about a man who had been executed by the state for his crime. Some even claimed that it was glorifying murder. However, these criticisms could not overshadow the fact that “Let Him Have It” is a brilliant work of art.
The dialogue delivered during pivotal scenes is deeply affecting and lingers on long after the credits have rolled. The conversations between Derek and his family members are heartrending in their portrayal of an innocent man’s struggle for justice.
Despite its grim theme, “Let Him Have It” does have moments of light-heartedness thanks to some clever writing. The scene where Derek practices dancing with his sister is particularly charming.
The crew behind “Let Him Have It” knew they were creating something special when they made this film. From pre-production to post-production, every single detail has been meticulously crafted with passion and dedication’s highest level. Despite being over 30 years old now, this movie still holds incredible artistic value due to its honest storytelling style.
In conclusion, “Let Him Have It” is a classic piece of British cinema that will undoubtedly continue captivating audiences for generations to come. Its riveting storyline combined with exceptional acting performances and breathtaking cinematography makes it essential viewing for all lovers of cinema who appreciate tales that are thought-provoking, moving, and emotionally impactful beyond words.
Technical Data
- Release : 1991-10-04
- Runtime : 115
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Christopher Eccleston as Derek Bentley, Paul Reynolds as Christopher Craig, Tom Courtenay as William Bentley, Eileen Atkins as Lilian Bentley, Iain Cuthbertson as Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe
- Crew : Ray Lovejoy as Editor, Jeremy Thomas as Executive Producer, Michael Kamen as Original Music Composer, Lucy Boulting as Casting, Oliver Stapleton as Director of Photography
- Revenue : $635,064
- Budget : $3,735,600
- Company : Film Trustees Ltd., British Screen Productions, Canal+
- Popularity : 3.842
- Summary : In 1950s England, slow-witted Derek Bentley falls in with a group of petty criminals led by Chris Craig, a teenager with a fondness for American gangster films. Chris and Derek’s friendship leads to their involvement in the true case which would forever shake England’s belief in capital punishment.
- Tagline : The shocking story of an unbelievable miscarriage of justice.
