Friday, Film4, 10:50pm
Jonathan Glazer's Sexy Beast (2000) is an adrenaline-infused crime drama that feels like a sunburned fever dream. It follows retired gangster Gal Dove (Ray Winstone), whose idyllic Spanish retreat is interrupted by the arrival of Don Logan, played by a magnificently unhinged Ben Kingsley. Logan’s mission? To drag Gal back to London for one last heist. What unfolds is part Greek tragedy, part brutal comedy, with a script as sharp as broken glass and a cast delivering performances that are nothing short of volcanic. The film is a masterclass in tension, and it doesn’t flinch—ever.
The soundtrack, composed by the ever-versatile Roque Baños, is a pulsating undercurrent of dread and release. With a blend of ominous orchestration and groovy, surreal cues, Baños captures the sweaty paranoia and fractured serenity of Gal's world. Standout tracks include Peaches by The Stranglers, a perfect match for the film's sunlit noir aesthetic, and Henry Mancini's Lujon, an unexpected but sultry addition that underscores the movie’s unnerving elegance. There's also a hypnotic electronic pulse threaded throughout, courtesy of remixes and sound design choices that feel ahead of their time. It’s the kind of soundtrack that grows on you, like a tan—or a scar.
For collectors, the original soundtrack release is something of a treasure hunt. The official CD and digital offerings are serviceable, but tracking down the limited vinyl editions is where the real fun begins. The film’s music has also aged gracefully, and its seamless blend of vintage and modern cues mirrors Glazer’s timeless approach to storytelling. So, whether you’re a score enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of soundtracks, Sexy Beast delivers an experience as bold and unforgettable as its name suggests.
- Paul Allen