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Silent Scream

by Channel4, BFI, Scottish Film Production Fund

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


Photos


If he was a native of New York and this was an American Movie, Glen would be called the new Pacino.