I first saw this episode of a few in the series when it was first released and was immediately taken by the story, as well as the performance of Tim Roth.
At the time I tried to find more things that Roth had done on his performance alone in Made In Britain but couldn't. Only years later, thanks to IMDB (cheers guys) did I realise that it was his first major role.
Back to the film. Set in the London I know I could relate to Trevor (Roth) as I was experiencing a similar thing at the time. A youth pushed into an attitude related to the Thatcher ideals of that time which kicked against the system of authority and its patronising values. The film (although intended as a television programme, but now can be viewed as a film in its own right) had all the zeitgeist required for one living in Britain, especially London, at that time. My friends and I spoke of it with much praise as we could relate to its sentiments. Events like the Brixton riots were indicative of such feelings.
Can this film still be relevant today? Frankly, yes. Britain was changing back in '81-'82 in many ways and appears to be swinging in a similar way once again. Only time will tell.
It is a gritty, documentary-style film that holds little back of an individual on a collision course with the imagined or real oppressor. Self-destructing because he feels it is his only freedom. Engaging and somewhat prophetic. You choose. I have not seen the film for many years now but relish the opportunity to view it again.
