Michael Caine has played many iconic roles throughout his career, but few have left as lasting an impact as Jack Carter in Get Carter.
A hard-hitting crime thriller that redefined British cinema, Get Carter is widely regarded as one of Caine’s greatest performances. Released in 1971, Get Carter follows London gangster Jack Carter, played by Michael Caine, as he travels to Newcastle to investigate the suspicious death of his brother.
Carter, ruthless and determined, soon uncovers a world of corruption, blackmail, and organised crime involving local criminals and supposedly respectable members of society.
The deeper he digs, the more dangerous things become. Carter’s quest for answers soon turns into a mission for revenge, leading to an explosive and unforgettable climax. The film’s gritty realism and unflinching brutality set it apart from the more polished crime dramas of the time, making it one of the defining films of the British gangster genre.
Get Carter broke new ground when it was released. Unlike the more romanticised portrayals of gangsters in Hollywood, this film stripped away the glamour and presented a raw, unforgiving vision of the criminal underworld.
Director Mike Hodges crafted a film that feels as sharp today as it did over 50 years ago. The bleak industrial setting of Newcastle adds to the film’s sense of menace and inevitability, and cinematographer Wolfgang Suschitzky used natural lighting and stark compositions to emphasise the cold world Carter navigates.
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its lead. Caine, already a major star at the time, brought an icy, restrained intensity to Jack Carter. His controlled rage and precise, calculated manner make Carter one of the most compelling antiheroes in cinema.
Unlike many crime films where gangsters are painted as charming or glamorous, Carter shows no mercy in his pursuit of the truth.
The film was a game-changer for British cinema, influencing generations of filmmakers and actors, and its impact can be seen in later British crime thrillers such as The Long Good Friday (1980) and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), both of which owe a debt to its raw, realistic style.
Internationally, directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie have cited Get Carter as an inspiration. Its mix of sharp dialogue, stylish violence, and psychological depth set a new standard for crime films, to the point that even decades later, it remains one of the most referenced and studied British films in cinema history.
Don’t miss out: Get Carter will be on BBC Two this Sunday, at 10 pm.