THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE CREED (2009 - Cert 18)

The old expression less is more is very much the thought behind this little British indie flick from writer and director J Blakeson, of whom a lot is now expected because of this film. The cast is stripped down to three people, the locations can be counted on one hand, it's ambitious because of it's simplicity, and very satisfying and enjoyable for the same reason.



The full roster of British actors on show are Gemma Arterton (playing the titular Alice Creed) and Eddie Marsan and Martin Compston as her captors in a well planned kidnapping. The fact that they really are all the film is, there's no big set pieces or cop chases or anything like that, means that they all get the chance to show what they are capable of.

Gemma Arterton has been better known recently for big blockbusters such as Clash of the Titans, Prince of Persia and Quantum of Solace, but this choice of film for her is a brave step and clearly an intention on her part to show the world that there is much more to her than that, ie talent. She is very good in this. The role itself is well developed enough to ensure she isn't simply a whimpering victim, although she does that aspect perfectly well, and her character has a bit of fight in her that comes out along with a number of other emotions. It's totally convincing and is a real stand out performance from her and couple that with the fact she is doing this type of film at all bodes well for the future. Less is more, remember that Gemma.

Eddie Marsan is as you would expect and as he always is. Brilliant. His Vic, seemingly the brains behind the plan, has a ruthless anger that is unsettling, especially when it bursts to the surface among his quiet, methodical organisation. There is also a fragile element to his character that you sense is there and it makes Vic all the more scary. On the edge. He is always a pleasure to watch and looking at his next films coming up, it seems that the rest of the cinema world is taking note and giving him the chances and roles that he deserves.

Martin Compston is Danny, the younger half of the duo and appears to be the submissive half being taken along for the ride. As the weaker of the two, you sense that if the whole plan is going to unravel, it's going to be his fault. I don't want to give anything away, but Danny's character does develop from how it opens and he moves away from the nervous youngster that could mess it all up. Consequently, it's another good performance, all be it the weaker of the three, although this is no slight on Compston as Marsan and Arterton are so good.

Although it is clearly an actors film (3 characters and a small number of locations, it almost feels like a stage play), the screenplay and direction of the story is a huge part of what makes it so interesting. Blakeson takes a bit of a gamble by only focusing on what happens on the side of the fence where the kidnappers are. We never see the people that Arterton's character is missing, we don't see any of the ransom negotiations (these all take place off screen and only spoken about by the captors) and we never see the police trying to solve the crime. It works really well and is a very fresh approach. The way the story develops and unfolds is also a joy, the characters and relationships develop nicely, with one or two shocks and twists that are very understated and revealed superbly. There is also an opening sequence where Vic and Danny plan and get everything in place for the kidnap, no dialogue just careful, efficient and meticulous planning and execution. It's a really interesting start that immediately lets you know that you're in for something a little bit different.

As it nears its conclusion it does lose a bit of the originality and thus appeal as it becomes a bit like a lot of other heist/kidnap/crime capers, but it's well worth a watch to see how the British are able to produce indie crime flicks that don't star Danny Dyer and are still trying to dine off the success of Guy Ritchie.