Silent Scream

Synopsis

Silent Scream is based on the life and work of convicted murderer Larry Winters.

Incarcerated for the wanton killing of a Soho Barman, Winters became the Scottish prison system’s most violent inmate before his transfer to Barlinnie Special Unit- an experiment in alternative, democratic treatment of prisoners- where Larry began to write music and poetry of raw distinction. His story and personality are explored in the random impressions of his final drug delirium as his memories pass freely between childhood in Glasgow and rural Carbisdale, school, holiday outings, the army, a joyous trip home on day parole and thirteen years of prison experience.

Reviews

David Hayman’s remarkable film darts back and forth across Larry’s life in the course of his increasingly fantasised final night, employing a complex but stunningly realized collage of memories dreams and nightmares, with a brilliant central performance from Iain Glen. If he was a native of New York and this was an American Movie, Glen would be called the new Pacino.

The Scotsman, George MacKay/Wolfe Murray

British film in competition, Silent Scream will probably not get the Oscar next year, like My Left Foot, which was rejected by Cannes. But this study of Larry Winter, who was diagnosed as a psychopath and died of a drugs overdose, is an unorthodox narrative with some real power to it. No one, not even the British, could possibly deny the superb performance Glen gives at the centre of this imaginative debut feature directed by David Hayman.

The Guardian- Derek Malcolm

of the finest films ever made in Scotland. It boasts a brilliant prize winning performance from Iain Glen. Don’t miss.

The List, Trevor Johnston

Iain Glen emerges as an unusually virile and charismatic new British star and deservedly won the Silver Bear for best actor. His performance becomes a tour de force, attractive, alternately gentle and vicious, bewildered by his own violence. Glen discards the protection most actors use for their safety and allows his interpretation a dangerous vulnerability.

The Times

Awards

• Iain Glen: Silver Bear for Best Actor-Berlin Film Festival 1990
• Iain Glen: Evening Standard Best Actor Award 1990
• The Michael Powell Award for British Film of The Year
• Scottish Bafta Award Best Film 1991
• Nominated Golden Bear for Best Film Berlin Film Festival 1990
• David Hayman won the OCIC Award 1990

Credits

Iain Glen

Larry Winters

Anna Kristen

Mary Winters

Julie Graham

Alice/Berry

David McKail

Dr English

Tom Watson

Patrick

Harry Jones

Frank Winters

Paul Samson

Jimmy

Andrew Barr

Shuggie

Steve Hotchkiss

Mo

John Murtagh

Ken Murray

Robert Carlyle

Big Woodsy

Douglas Henshaw

Reporter

Billy McElhaney

Aly

Bill Riddoch

Lenny

Finlay Welsh

Alan

Jonathan Battersby

Doctor

Angela Chadfield

Patricia

David Scott (II)

Television Reporter

Kenneth Bryans

1st Prison Officer

Frank Gallagher

2nd Prison Officer

Martin McCardie

3rd Prison Officer

David Hayman

4th Prison Officer

Gilbert Martin

Monitor Prison Office

Vincent Friell

Red Screw

Lawrie Ventry

White Screw

Alexander Morton

Don Winters

Jamie Morton

Young Don

Denise MacDonald

Larry’s Sister

Annie Louise Ross

Teacher

Terry Cavers

Hospital Nurse

Matthew Costello

Castle Warden

Tom Beech

Boy in Bed

Carlton Dixon

Gary

John Kazek

Young Soldier

Frank Mannion (II)

Rob

Neil Packham

Eddi

David Hayman

Director

Larry Winters

Book as Source Material

Bill Beech

screenplay

Jane Beech

screenplay

Paddy Higson (II)

Producer

Alan Fountain

Executive Producer

Colin McCabe

Executive Producer

Ben Gibson

Executive Producer

Alan J. Wands

Associate Producer

Denis Crossan

Director of Photography

Justin Krish

Editor