A Very British Gangster

A Very British Gangster is a riveting 2007 crime documentary film directed by Donal MacIntyre, a famed investigative reporter known for his hard-hitting and comprehensive works. The film shares an intimate and enthralling look into the life of Dominic Noonan, the notorious British criminal mastermind, and his alarmingly prominent gangster lifestyle.

The film is categorically distinct from typical gangster movies, swapping fictional narratives for raw, unfiltered real-life exposure. High stakes narratives coupled with moments of unnerving calmness give it an authentic touch that is virtually unrivaled by conventional crime dramas.

Dominic Noonan stands at the center of the film. An infamous figure in the British underworld, his name is synonymous with organized crime in Manchester. The Noonan crime family, led by him, is reputed for its control over the city’s landscape, as well as its grip on loan-sharking, drug-dealing, and armed robberies. Though Dominic Noonan and his family's illegal activities are well known, the film doesn't focus on the glamor or sensationalism often associated with gangster lifestyles. Instead, it offers a more profound, searing commentary on society, crime, and the normality of violence in the underworld.

The film unfolds over a three-year period, during which MacIntyre builds a unique rapport with Noonan, leading to unprecedented access to his personal life and professional undertakings. The charismatic, tough yet extraordinarily complex character of Dominic is thoroughly explored in the movie, making viewers alternately empathize with and abhor him for his actions.

One of the key elements that stand out in A Very British Gangster is its unapologetic portrayal of reality. It is bracingly honest about the brutality and ruthlessness in Noonan's world. At the same time, it explores the paradox of Dominic Noonan, who, despite being a feared crime lord, is seen as a benevolent figure by some of his community's marginalized sections. This dichotomy provides potent socio-political commentary on how societal neglect can sometimes lead individuals towards unconventional paths of gaining respect and authority.

The intriguing narrative is further enhanced by MacIntyre's adept storyline skills. He adeptly balances the portrayal of Noonan as a gangster and a human being, showcasing how he thrives in the unpredictability and ruthlessness of organized crime, whilst also focusing on his vulnerabilities and familial loyalty. The addition of interviews with Noonan's family and friends, as well as his rival gang members, provides multi-faceted insights into the complex existence of a gangster's life.

Aesthetically, the film is a carefully crafted piece of work. The cinematography adeptly captures the gritty realism of Manchester's underworld, while the atmospheric sound design enhances the tension underlying the narrative.

Another profound aspect of the movie is its exploration of Dominic's open homosexuality - an unusual facet in the stereotypically macho world of organized crime. This provides further insight into his complex character and adds an absorbing complexity to the narrative. A subsidiary figure in the film is Craig Fitzpatrick, who plays Noonan's nephew and protégé, a young man with a seemingly unwavering desire to follow his uncle's menacing footsteps. His journey adds another layer of depth to the documentary, mirroring the cyclical nature of criminal life and the illusion of escape.

In essence, A Very British Gangster is a hard-hitting, eye-opening exploration of the British criminal underworld and a meticulous character study of Dominic Noonan, a man whose life is rooted in organized crime. It presents a picture of the illogical normality of violence, the intertwining of fear and respect, and the uncanny sense of community within Manchester's criminal sphere.

Despite its grim context, the film refrains from passing judgment or resorting to melodramatic storytelling. It merely serves as a mirror, reflecting the stark lives led by individuals like Dominic Noohan in the not-so-glamorous world of crime and violence.