Wanted! British Crime on Film continues with Mike Hodges little seen, underrated swan song. An atmospheric neo-noir about a retired gangster (Clive Owen) who returns to London to investigate his brother’s suicide.

I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2003), directed by Mike Hodges. Run time: 102 minutes.

Released in 2004 to mostly indifferent reviews, Mike Hodges’ atmospheric revenge thriller is ripe for re-evaluation. With a plot reminiscent of his debut, Get Carter (1971) the film’s mixed reception seems largely due to mis-set expectations. The story concerns Will (Clive Owen), a retired gangster who is now living largely off-the-grid in a spartan lonely existence as a wood cutter. When he receives news of his brother Davey’s (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) suicide he returns to London to investigate the true causes of his sibling’s death. Told as three parallel stories which slowly intertwine, the impressive cast includes Charlotte Rampling as Will’s old flame and Malcolm McDowell as the contemptuous businessman, Boad. Scripted by Trevor Preston and infused with the existentialism of Jean-Pierre Melville, Hodges film is as much about mood as plot. The rainy London streets are neon-lit against inky black backgrounds and there’s an unsettling jazzy music score by Simon Fisher Turner. Fittingly this story of brothers, and Hodges final film, is a wiser, wearier companion piece to his first. In his review of this mournful swan song from a filmmaker forever associated with the British gangster genre Rex Reed of The New York Observer wrote, “A tight, well-made, evocative piece of filmmaking for true connoisseurs of gangster movies that is unnerving, yet completely sure of every step it takes.”

Rarely seen in the UK since it’s theatrical release Lost Reels is thrilled to present this unsung classic from a recently rediscovered 35mm distribution print courtesy of The Cinema Museum.

Event format: Doors will open at 18.30 for a 19.30 start. Film will be preceded by an introduction and the event will finish around 22.00.

About Lost Reels:

Lost Reels is an independent film organisation dedicated to bringing forgotten, lost, or unavailable films back to UK cinemas. Visit Lost Reels at lostreels.co.uk and follow on X, Threads, Bluesky, Instagram and YouTube at @lostreelsuk.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets £10.

Advance tickets may be purchased from Ticketlab, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.