This was so poor
The 1979 theatrical release of Scum is one of my all-time favourite films, so when I heard about the t.v. version I was very interested. Christ, huge disappointment. Everything felt so forced, the acting was absolutely abysmal. David Threlfall is generally a very good actor, but that doesn't excuse his horrible turn here as Archer. Everything he said sounded like it was being read from an autocue, and he always looked and acted emotionless and glum. Mick Ford at least put some passion into the character, who is supposed to be a fiercely intellectual and cleverly rebellious spirit, not some dour sulking drip. The character of Mr. Duke was a fairly intimidating and hard individual in the cinematic version, but in this he was just a silly old git who again sounded like he was reading everything from a board right in front of him, the exchange between him and Archer in this version was crap. However, Ray Winstone and John Judd were on good form in their roles as Carlin and Mr. Sands, so it was a good decision to have them back later. All in all, a load of *beep*
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