Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Naked
1993
***
Director: Mike Leigh
Cast: David Thewlis, Lesley Sharp, Katrin Cartlidge, Greg Cruttwell, Claire Skinner, Peter Wight, Ewen Bremner, Susan Vidler, Gina McKee, Elizabeth Berrington, Darren Tunstall

Johnny, an articulate, sarcastic, and cynical drifter, takes a journey into the seedy underbelly of London, but his nihilistic world views and razor-sharp quips repeatedly land him in trouble. Mike Leigh's drama about urban alienation is gritty and funny, but I can't say I take any pleasure in watching the film. David Thewlis gives a terrific performance, but Johnny must be one of the most unpleasant protagonists in the history of cinema, and yet he seems like an angel compared to the sadistic rapist portrayed by Greg Cruttwell. The female characters have no agency of their own. Andrew Dickson's score is lovely, though.