tomgillespie2002 Having done some of his best work with director Shane Meadows, it's no surprise that first-time director Paddy Considine turned to the darkest areas of the human soul to find a story that is both violent and romantic, without ever confusing the two. The Meadows/Considine collaborations A Room for Romeo Brass (1999) and Dead Man's Shoes (2004) were an unsettling mixture of mental anguish and kitchen-sink drama, but Considine's debut, Tyrannosaur, keeps the tone firmly within the boundaries of the Ken Loach School of Gritty Film-Making, which help make this often gentle tale of two broken souls finding common ground often difficult to sit through.An expansion of Considine's BAFTA award-winning short Dog Altogether, Tyrannosaur follows Joseph (Peter Mullan), a heavy- drinking and unemployed widower with extreme anger issues. We first meet him being thrown out of a pub following an unseen altercation, after which he kicks his dog to death in the street in a blind rage. Further anti-social behaviour sees him end up in a charity shop owned by God-fearing Hannah (Olivia Colman). Joseph is abusive and possibly dangerous, but she decides to help him anyway. Hannah's apparently comfortable middle-class life is at odds with the tougher upbringing experienced by Joseph, and he initially scolds her for it. Yet as the charity shop evolves into something of a safe haven for Joseph, he comes to learn that Hannah's marriage to James (Eddie Marsan) is an abusive one, and that she has her own demons to face.The film certainly doesn't pull its punches. From the opening scene of witnessing the protagonist of the story brutally kill his own animal to a graphic rape later in the movie, Tyrannosaur is uncomfortable viewing but is never out to simply shock. The character of Joseph was based on Considine's father, but rather than being a carousel of unpleasant experiences torn from the directors memories, the film instead ponders whether a life wasted can be redeemed. Joseph and Hannah may seem to be complete opposites, but their shared disappointment in the life they have led and the suffering they have endured makes for a romantic bond that is both believable and profound. The relationship is given extra weight by the performances of the two leads. Mullan is uniformly excellent in a type of role he has done before, but Colman, who was up to this point of her career mainly known for her comedy work, is a revelation. An impressive debut work from an actor I have admired since I first saw him back in '99.

ma_twilkins-48562 I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this film. It seemed as though it would be slow and dark and grim and not a lot else. But I gave it a go. It's taught me to be more open minded about such things (and to believe Mark Kermode when he says something is worth a look).This is the story of a faint and unexpected hope amidst a sea of despair. It takes the form of a surprising friendship between the two main characters. Both are lost, suffering in their own way, quietly, or angrily. The performances are so gut wrenchingly superb that I was immediately invested in the pain each feel.From the moment the main characters meet, and the flotsam of faint, burgeoning hope begins to form, I began to will it to become something more substantial, that may save them both. The performances from the two leads are heart breaking and at times, visceral. Both are equally superb. Though some scenes are undeniably difficult, I was transfixed throughout.For me the beauty of this film is in the success it makes of showing how our relationships are what give our lives meaning and hope - That no matter how awful circumstances can become, sharing a meaningful bond with another person can make life worth living.As grim as the surroundings and the situations, that overriding streak of beauty running through the film allows it to transcend it's depressing setting. I found it a truly moving experience and would recommend it to anybody, but with a warning that if you're faint hearted, be prepared. Having said that, everything that happens serves the story and character development, so I had no problem with it what so ever.In my top five favorite films of all time, easily.

bowmanblue Some films thrill you, some scare you, some make you laugh. You choose which one depending on how you want to feel. Tyrannosaur is a fantastic movie, but you have to be in the mood for it. It's not a feel good type of film. It's gritty, nasty, dark, but ultimately uplifting (in a sad sort of way).The main character, Joseph, is introduced to us as he kicks his beloved pet dog to death, smashes a Post Office window and gets into a fight with some youths in a pub. And he's our 'hero' - he's the guy we're expected to root for. If you don't like the sound of him already, you're probably not going to enjoy his tale. He's not the most sympathetic of characters. Olivia Coleman (best known for her comedic roles, such as 'Sophie' in Peep Show) is outstanding, showing just what a versatile actress she is.Some people have criticised it as 'yet more British miserablism.' That's a fair comment. It is pretty miserable. That's why if you're looking for something cheery, it's not for you. However, if you're willing to see just how depressing some people's lives are, you'll be glad you did - I'm guessing not many people are as trapped in such a downward, self-destructive spiral as the two central characters. If nothing else, you'll be glad you're not them.Oh, and don't get your hopes up about seeing giant dinosaurs - it's a metaphor - Jurassic Park, this isn't.

Joe Peter Mullan is one to take a very similar character in a number of his films, yet each is different in their own way and relate to the viewer a good new story.He leads the film along with Olivia Colman in a down to earth and very gritty movie based in Yorkshire (England), directed by Paddy Considine. We find Mullan's drunken violent character wishing to turn the page and relent, so finds solace in Olivia Colman's character's Christian & charitable nature. However, not all is as it seems and the victim becomes the helper and the helper is one who really needs the help, trapped in a violent and frightening marriage with a dark secret.This isn't a film about directing as such, although is a debut for Considine who does a great job. The film is about the themes, acting and story, and that is a gem.It's harrowing to watch but still gripping. Certain aspects you've seen before, but it's a change from the celebrity obsessed film fare we're used to.It plays like a good theatre play, and there's lots to admire here. Olivia Colman as the main victim in this film (admittedly amongst a set of them) is fabulous in this role, and you'll ride the difficult emotional journey with her.I'd say give it a go if you're interested in some gritty drama. A good directorial debut, and Mullan is again great to watch.