The Imitators

Rating:
Summary: Official release............
Review: The Imitators is an award-winning debut feature by independent English director Richie Winearls.

Set in the sleazy back-streets of south London, The Imitators is a pacy, tragi-comic account of an unlikely alliance between Kevin, a homeless drifter in need of a lucky break and a gang of small time hoods in need a getaway driver for the job that is going to move them into the big league.

A gritty, atmospheric tale of bank robbery, betrayal and bad driving, it follows the fortunes of the gang and their newest recruit in the run up to the job that will change their lives.

Directed with a raw and stylish energy, the film captures the desperation and comic self-delusion of a group of people looking for the fastest way out.

Launched to critical acclaim in the UK, it won the Fuji Cinematographer Award at the Raindance Film Festival and was winner of Young Jury Prize for the Best Feature Film at the 34th International Film Festival in Gijón, Spain and was also shown at Cannes, Edinburgh and Valencia Film Festivals.

Time Out described it as "Seductive....full of energy." Sunday Express call it "Energetic, raw and stylish....don't miss it."

The Imitators stars David Doyle (Judge Dredd and The Young Americans), Gary Beadle from TV's Absolutely Fabulous with cameo performances from former supermodel Sarah Stockbridge (Interview with a Vampire) and stand-up comedian Phil Cornwell (The Comic Strip Presents......).

Rating:
Summary: minor indie masterpiece
Review: This is an excellent off-beat,low-budget comedy-thriller with a dash of romance which looks great for the money, is consistently entertaining, original, gutsily but subtley directed by Winearls & features great (& surprisingly nuanced and touching) performances from the ensemble cast, Gary Beadle's in particular standing out as charismatic, intense and disturbing. Why isn't this guy a massive star? Well worth watching - & a chance to see a very talented cast before they become huge...