Freelance

Freelance is a 1970 British crime-thriller directed by Francis Megahy and featuring an engaging cast led by Ian McShane and Gayle Hunnicutt, with Keith Barron, Barry Jackson, and many others filling out the atmospheric tale with character-driven performances.

The story revolves around Mitch (Ian McShane), a savvy, quick-witted cockney loner who lives a life of resilience in and out of London's seedy underbelly. Portrayed with the gritty charm of McShane, Mitch is not a typical hero. Rather, he is a nonchalant, charming character caught up in harsh circumstances. He survives on freelance jobs which lead him deep into London's world of crime, ensnaring him in situations that are risky, to say the least. It is a testament to McShane's iconic acting prowess that we feel for Mitch despite his morally grey lifestyle.

In Freelance, a gritty 70's style is colourfully and effectively laid out—typographical title sequences, jazz-infused soundtrack, and lowercase opening credits, all making for an indelibly distinct chapter in the history of British cinema during that period. The portrayal of London's colourful streets and shadows doesn't romanticize the city's underworld, but rather emphasizes the grim reality of the crimes that occur there.

The script, co-penned by Megahy and John Smith, dives fearlessly into the underbelly of criminal life through whom we see events unfold. The dialogue is laced with Brit accents and slang, carving out a distinct atmosphere which is so essential to the film. The tension is intelligently built, with tight pacing that doesn't merely move from one shock to another but takes time to develop characters and motivations.

Gayle Hunnicutt gives a sterling performance as a shady woman who catches Mitch's interest. Strikingly beautiful and enigmatic, Hunnicutt seamlessly floats between a femme fatale and a damsel in distress with a performance that is both mysterious and engaging. The chemistry between her and McShane is electric and adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Barron and Jackson provide sturdy support, offering performances that perfectly reflect the grit, grime, and hidden glamour of the lowlife environments. As we move through the movie following Mitch’s encounters, their characters serve to embellish the authenticity of this world, further enhancing the viewer's engagement with the story.

Moreover, the technical aspects of the film are noteworthy as well. Skillfully shot by cinematographer Denis Lewiston, who captures the gloomy and sometimes labyrinthine corners of London with his camera, Freelance makes excellent use of its locales, from the labyrinthine backstreets to the shimmering bars and shady offices. The film's music also deserves special mention. Harmonically strange and wonderfully atmospheric, especially the use of impromptu jazz, it adds another layer to the film’s character.

Freelance is a film that reckons with issues, contexts, and situations that were pertinent to 1970's London and resonates beyond its period through its enduring themes of survival and moral dilemma. Much of the film's brilliance comes from its ability to articulate its ideas in a visually compelling and narratively absorbing manner, reflected in its thoughtful directing, sharp script, and deeply engaging performances.

At the key of Freelance is its confident grasp of its darker themes and its readiness to present a world that is neither fully virtuous nor entirely sinister but dwells somewhere in the shades of gray in between. Ultimately, it's more than just a crime-thriller—it's a gripping depiction of the survivalist instinct, human errors, and the complex morality of those who dwell on the boundaries of society.