Watch That Sinking Feeling
- PG
- 1984
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6.7 (1,262)
That Sinking Feeling is a 1979 Scottish film directed by Bill Forsyth. It was his first feature film and is known for its dry humor and youthful charm. The film follows a group of unemployed teenagers in Glasgow who plan to rob a warehouse full of stainless steel sinks, hoping to sell them for a profit. The film opens with a group of young men aimlessly wandering the streets of Glasgow, complaining about their lack of prospects and the general drudgery of life. They are all unemployed and directionless, often passing their time in various pursuits such as stealing a boat and taking it for a joyride. They see their opportunity when they hear about a warehouse full of stainless steel sinks that no one seems to want, and they hatch a plan to break in and steal them, hoping to sell them for a profit.
The gang consists of four main characters: Ronnie, Maddy, Big John, and Vic. Ronnie is the leader of the group and the brains behind the operation. He's convinced that the plan will go smoothly and is willing to risk everything to make it happen. Maddy is Ronnie's love interest and the most pragmatic of the group, often playing the devil's advocate and pointing out the flaws in Ronnie's plans. Big John is the muscle of the group, and Vic is the easily distracted and often comic relief member.
The film has a low-budget, indie feel to it, but the performances of the young actors are engaging and relatable. Their dialogue is often improvised, which creates a sense of authenticity and spontaneity. The film is shot in a documentary style, using mostly natural lighting and locations around Glasgow, which adds to the gritty realism of the story.
One of the standout scenes in the film is when the gang breaks into the warehouse. The scene is shot in real-time and is both tense and hilarious as the boys struggle to load the heavy sinks onto their van. They're constantly bickering and shouting at each other, which adds to the chaotic energy of the scene.
Throughout the film, there are also several subplots involving the boys' personal lives. Maddy is dealing with her overbearing father, who disapproves of her relationship with Ronnie. Big John is struggling with a gambling addiction and owes money to some dangerous characters. These personal problems create a sense of depth and complexity to the characters, making them more than just one-dimensional caricatures.
The film's climax is both satisfying and unexpected, as the gang's plan doesn't go quite as planned. However, the film ends on an optimistic note, with the boys learning important lessons about working hard, taking risks, and relying on each other.
Overall, That Sinking Feeling is a charming and funny film that captures the spirit of Scottish youth in the late 1970s. It's a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the importance of telling stories that are both relatable and entertaining. If you're a fan of DIY filmmaking, dry humor, or just a good underdog story, then That Sinking Feeling is definitely worth checking out.