A Sense of Freedom | |
---|---|
Directed by | John Mackenzie |
Written by | Peter McDougall |
Produced by | Jeremy Isaacs |
Starring |
David Hayman Jake D'Arcy Sean Scanlan Hector Nicol Fulton Mackay |
Cinematography | Chris Menges |
Edited by | Alan MacMillan |
Music by |
Frankie Miller Rory Gallagher |
Production company | |
Distributed by | HandMade Films |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 85 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
A Sense of Freedom is a 1981 Scottish crime film directed by John Mackenzie for Scottish Television. [1] The film stars David Hayman and featured Jake D'Arcy, Sean Scanlan, Hector Nicol, Alex Norton and Fulton Mackay. [2] It is based on the autobiography of Glasgow gangster Jimmy Boyle, who was reputed to be Scotland's most violent man. [3] Due to non-co-operation by the Scottish Prison Service in allowing a film crew access to their property, Hayman's scenes in prison were filmed in Dublin's Kilmainham Jail. [4]
A harrowing tale of a habitual and brutal criminal. Boyle repeatedly resisted attempts by the Prison Service to dampen his temper. He was brutally assaulted many times by Prison Officers. [5] He also assaulted many staff including a brutal attack causing an officer to lose his eye. [6]
The film received a BAFTA nomination for Best Single Play. [7]
The music is by Frankie Miller and Rory Gallagher. [8]