Rent Scum (1979)

Tough, Uncomfortable British Prison Drama - Scum review by GI

Alan Clarke's uncompromising portrayal of life in Britain's youth prisons remains powerful, disturbing and controversial. There's an interesting history to this film. First made by Clarke in 1977 for the BBC who promptly banned it and it was never aired. Unfazed Clarke immediately set about getting funding and remade the film almost scene by scene (and with some slight changes in cast) for a cinema release in 1979. Incidentally the BBC version wasn't shown for another fifteen years. Ray Winstone stars as Carlin, a convicted criminal sent to a borstal and he comes with a reputation for violence. But Carlin is committed to keeping his head down and staying out of trouble. But the harsh regime is dominated by violence from the prison officers who allow favoured inmates to control the wings for them. Petty punishments and deliberate suppression of free thought are all overseen by a religious Governor and eventually this pushes Carlin back to taking control through extreme violence. This is a tough watch, scenes of rape and suicide are explicit and the racism is very uncomfortable and even the cinema version was banned for release on videocassette in the UK during the 80s. Debate rages today about the authenticity of what is depicted here but Clarke, who made several controversial films attacking UK Government policies and systems, is clearly attempting to highlight the uselessness of a prison system based on punishment alone. A remarkable film and definitely one to check out if you've never seen it and if by some chance you believe that this shows a youth prison system that we should return to I'm afraid you're sorely mistaken.

A brutal, graphic & unforgiving look at the horror of surviving in borstal - Scum review by Timmy B

Banned by the BBC, who originally commissioned the film, due to the (what was considered in those days) graphic violence, this still remains an extremely unsettling & upsetting film. Other elements such as disgusting racism & casual violence are also commonplace.

The film focuses on the new inmates to a borstal and their interactions with the staff and fellow kids. It is in many ways an updated Lord of the Flies, except the oppressors are also the adults.

As much as Ray Winstone is in many ways seen as the lead, I was most moved and horrified by Davis who should never have been in the borstal in the first place. The way this vulnerable & slightly mischievous boy is destroyed is heartbreaking to watch, especially the later scenes.

But as much as it is difficult, it is also an incredible production. The young actors involved, as well as the seasoned pros, all do magnetic work. As much as it is difficult to watch, this is sadly a piece of history which needs to be seen, learnt from and yes, enjoyed as great cinema.