My Name Is Lenny

My Name is Lenny is a British drama released in the year 2017. This biographical sports film steps into the world of boxing, but it is far from your conventional rags-to-riches story. Instead, it explores the personal life, the booming career, and the troubling obstacles that renowned Britain’s hard man and notorious bare-knuckle fighter Lenny McLean had to face. Directed by Ron Scalpello, the film stars Josh Helman as the eponymous Lenny, while Michael Bisping and Chanel Cresswell play essential roles.

Set in the gritty streets of East End London in the 1970s, the movie unveils the stark truths, resilience, and determination that underline the sport of underground unlicensed boxing. The story mirrors a life filled with brutal encounters and moments of despair, all glazed over with a tinge of endemic humor, intrinsic to this particular time and space.

Josh Helman delivers a compelling performance as Lenny McLean, embodying the audacious stature and profound naivety that marked this character, who is often recognized as "The Guv'nor". The plot spirals through Lenny’s early life, his personal struggles, his relationships, and lastly his climb into the world of bare-knuckle boxing. Helman’s detailed portrayal brings to life the paradox that was McLean – a man capable of inciting fear and respect in his adversaries, yet grappling with childlike insecurities and crippling anxieties.

UFC champion Michael Bisping graces the screen as Roy 'Pretty Boy' Shaw, Lenny's toughest adversary. Their rivalry filled newspapers and attracted notoriety in the 70s and 80s for its explosive nature. Casting Bisping was a prudent choice, as his real-life experience with combat sports offers an authentic dimension to the intense rivalry scenes.

Chanel Cresswell embodies the character of Valerie, Lenny’s wife. She provides a mirror to Lenny’s harsh public persona, revealing the familial man behind the legend. Her stellar portrayal of a strong and supportive woman in a world dominated by men enhances the understanding of Lenny’s humane side.

Accompanied by a strong supporting cast, the storytelling delves into the life of a man not just laced with power and rage, but also panic attacks and profound love for his family. "My Name is Lenny" doesn't limit itself to the world of boxing but expands its horizon to include themes of brotherhood, mental health issues, and the clutches of toxic masculinity that bound the working-class population of East London in that era.

The film succeeds in showcasing Lenny's life with raw vigor and authenticity. The sets transport audiences to the bygone era of the snowballing underground boxing scene in East London. The cinematography captures the essence of this period and evokes the grim simplicity interwoven with the complex lifestyles of the characters. The camera work during the fight sequences is particularly noteworthy, mirroring the unfiltered brutality of the sport while heightening its artistic essence.

Impressively, the film refuses to gloss over the less savory aspects of Lenny’s character. Instead, it adopts an empathetic gaze towards his flaws and delves into their origins. This brutal honesty underlines the narrative and amplifies the multifaceted personality of Lenny McLean.

The film is underpinned with an emotional current which brings to light the deep-seated insecurities, conflict, and vulnerabilities of a man often seen as invincible. This balance between strength and sensitivity is masterfully portrayed by Helman and adds raw depth to the narrative. The dialogues are a seamless blend of East End slang and raw emotions, offering a peek into the vibrant, dynamic heart of London in that era.

Ron Scalpello impresses with his directing style, balancing the harsh realities of bare-knuckle boxing with an intimate exploration of McLean’s character and relationships. However, it's more than just a sports film. It's a personal journey of a man learning to control his fears, striving to protect and provide for his family.

"My Name is Lenny" does more than just recount the life of Lenny McLean. It plunges viewers into the heart of a world caught between violence and vulnerability, offering a cinematic experience that pushes beyond the boundaries of the biography genre.