Bellman and True (1987)

"Bellman and True" (1987) stands as a testament to Richard Loncraine's ability to craft gripping, character-driven thrillers. While often overshadowed by some of his more high-profile works, this tense and atmospheric adaptation of a wartime heist novel showcases Loncraine's masterful control of suspense and visual storytelling. He deftly captures the bleak, post-war London setting, immersing the audience in the desperate circumstances and moral ambiguities faced by the characters. The film's focus on the human cost of crime, and its nuanced portrayal of its protagonists, further cements its position as a strong example of Loncraine's ability to extract compelling narratives from complex human dramas. This particular film exemplifies Loncraine's skill at building tension. He skillfully uses the confines of the environment, the desperation of the characters, and the ticking clock of the heist to create a palpable sense of unease that permeates the entire film. Loncraine's direction here is subtle yet powerful, allowing the performances, particularly those of Bernard Hepton and John Schlesinger, to shine. Their realistic portrayal of flawed individuals caught in a web of circumstance elevates "Bellman and True" to a memorable and thought-provoking entry in Loncraine's body of work, making it worthy of inclusion among his best films.