49 Facts About The Movie Starred Up

Explosive Prison Drama

Starred Up is an explosive prison drama that takes viewers on a gripping journey into the volatile and dangerous world of prison life.

Directed by David Mackenzie

The film is directed by the talented Scottish filmmaker David Mackenzie, known for his exceptional work in delivering raw and intense storytelling.

Released in 2013

Starred Up was released in 2013, gaining critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of life behind bars.

Starring Jack O’Connell

The lead role of Eric Love is played by the talented actor Jack O’Connell, who delivers a powerful and unforgettable performance.

A Young Offender Transferred to Adult Prison

The film follows the story of Eric Love, a troubled and violent young offender who gets ‘starred up,’ meaning he is transferred from a youth detention center to an adult prison due to his aggressive behavior.

Authentic Prison Experience

Starred Up is known for its authentic portrayal of the prison experience, with the director and cast going to great lengths to research and understand the harsh realities of incarceration.

Intense and Gritty Narrative

The movie’s narrative is intense and gritty, delving deep into the complexities of relationships, power dynamics, and survival within the prison walls.

A Troubled Father-Son Relationship

One of the central themes of Starred Up is the strained relationship between Eric Love and his estranged father, Neville, who happens to be an inmate as well.

Supporting Cast

The film boasts a strong supporting cast, including Ben Mendelsohn as Neville Love and Rupert Friend as Oliver Baumer, a volunteer psychotherapist trying to make a difference within the prison system.

Realism in Dialogue

To add to the film’s authenticity, the dialogue in Starred Up is heavily influenced by the actual language and slang used by prisoners, giving it a genuine and raw feel.

Filmed in a Real Prison

The movie was filmed in a disused Belfast prison, Crumlin Road Gaol, which adds to the realism and gritty atmosphere of the film.

Accolades and Awards

Starred Up received critical acclaim and garnered several awards and nominations, recognizing its outstanding performances, direction, and screenplay.

Written by Jonathan Asser

The screenplay for Starred Up was written by Jonathan Asser, who drew from his personal experiences working as a psychotherapist in prisons.

A Debut Feature Film

Interestingly, Starred Up is David Mackenzie’s first full-length feature film set in a prison, showcasing his talent for capturing intense and gritty storytelling.

Exploration of Class and Society

The movie delves into the theme of class and society, examining the recurring cycle of violence and how it affects individuals from different backgrounds.

Physical Transformation

Jack O’Connell underwent a physical transformation for his role in Starred Up, building a muscular and intimidating physique to convincingly portray the volatile character of Eric Love.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

The DVD and Blu-ray releases of Starred Up feature behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, providing fascinating insights into the making of the film.

Realistic Fight Scenes

The fight scenes in the movie were choreographed with precision to accurately depict the brutal and chaotic nature of prison fights.

Emotional Rollercoaster

Starred Up takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, evoking strong feelings of fear, anger, sympathy, and even hope as the characters navigate the challenging prison environment.

Authentic Sound Design

The film’s sound design adds another layer of authenticity, capturing the sounds of prison doors slamming, echoes in the corridors, and the tense atmosphere that permeates throughout.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, Starred Up received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, who praised its performances, direction, and hard-hitting narrative.

International Success

The movie achieved international success, drawing audiences from around the world who were captivated by its gripping story and powerful performances.

Tackling Tough Themes

Starred Up fearlessly tackles tough themes such as institutionalized violence, the effects of absent fathers, and the complexities of rehabilitation within the prison system.

A British Independent Film

Starred Up is a British independent film that showcases the vibrant and diverse talent within the country’s film industry.

Poetry in Prison

In one poignant scene, a poetry reading group is depicted, highlighting the transformative power of art amidst the harsh realities of prison life.

Emotional Breaking Point

The film builds tension throughout its runtime, leading to a climactic scene where Eric Love reaches an emotional breaking point that leaves a lasting impact.

Influential Performances

Jack O’Connell’s performance in Starred Up earned him widespread recognition and established him as a rising star in the film industry.

Limited Release

Initially, Starred Up had a limited release but gained momentum through positive word-of-mouth, leading to a wider release and increased popularity.

Cinematic Realism

The cinematography in Starred Up captures the gritty realism of the prison environment, providing viewers with a visually immersive experience.

Exploration of Masculinity

The movie delves into the concept of masculinity and the societal pressures that contribute to the characters’ violent behavior and emotional struggles.

Handling Controversial Themes

Starred Up confronts controversial themes with sensitivity and nuance, sparking meaningful conversations about the prison system and its impact on individuals.

Authentic Scottish Setting

The film is set in a Scottish prison, further adding to its authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by inmates within the Scottish judicial system.

Rise of Jack O’Connell

Starred Up marked a significant milestone in the career of Jack O’Connell, propelling him to take on more challenging and diverse roles in the film industry.

Relationships Behind Bars

The complex relationships between inmates and between inmates and staff are explored with depth and realism, shedding light on the dynamics within the prison walls.

Psychological Impact

Starred Up delves into the psychological impact of long-term incarceration, examining how it shapes the behavior and mindset of the characters.

Immersive Soundtrack

The film’s soundtrack enhances the viewing experience, immersing the audience in the emotional intensity of the story.

Portrayal of Personal Growth

One of the underlying themes in Starred Up is the potential for personal growth and transformation even in the most challenging and unforgiving environments.

Exploring Restorative Justice

The film touches on the concept of restorative justice, raising questions about the effectiveness of punitive measures versus rehabilitation and support.

Unflinching and Raw

Starred Up is unflinching in its portrayal of violence, raw in its emotional impact, and uncompromising in its depiction of the realities of prison life.

Portrayal of Vulnerability

Despite its tough exterior, Starred Up skillfully showcases moments of vulnerability and tenderness, reminding viewers of the complexity and humanity within each character.

Universal Themes

Although set in the prison environment, Starred Up explores universal themes of family, redemption, and the struggle to break free from detrimental cycles.

Intimate Character Study

The film offers an intimate character study of Eric Love, delving into his past traumas, emotional struggles, and the possibility of healing.

Realistic Characterization

The characters in Starred Up are richly developed and realistically portrayed, adding depth and nuance to the story.

Examining Harsh Realities

Starred Up doesn’t shy away from examining the harsh realities of life behind bars, showcasing the challenges faced by inmates and the difficult choices they must make.

Powerful Performances

The entire cast delivers powerful performances, immersing viewers in the emotional turmoil and conflict experienced by the characters.

Impactful Writing

The writing in Starred Up is impactful, delivering raw and authentic dialogue that captures the essence of each character and the intensity of their circumstances.

The Influence on Prison Dramas

Starred Up has had a significant influence on the genre of prison dramas, setting a new standard for authenticity and emotional depth.

Discussion-Inducing Ending

The ending of Starred Up is open to interpretation, leaving viewers with lingering questions and provoking discussions about redemption and the potential for change.

A Must-Watch Film

With its powerhouse performances, gritty realism, and thought-provoking themes, Starred Up is a must-watch film for fans of intense dramas that push boundaries and challenge conventional storytelling.

There you have it, the 49 facts about the movie Starred Up! From the phenomenal performances to the authentic portrayal of prison life, this film is a true cinematic gem. If you haven’t seen it yet, grab some popcorn and get ready for a riveting experience that will leave you contemplating long after the credits roll.

Conclusion

Starred Up is a gritty and intense movie that delves into the harsh reality of life in a prison environment. From its realistic portrayal of prison dynamics to its powerful performances, this film captivates audiences with its raw and authentic storytelling. With its thought-provoking exploration of themes such as violence, rehabilitation, and the cycle of incarceration, Starred Up leaves a lasting impact on viewers.

The movie’s success can be attributed to its talented cast, including breakout star Jack O’Connell, who delivers a mesmerizing performance as the troubled and volatile Eric Love. Director David Mackenzie expertly captures the tension and volatility within the prison walls, creating a palpable sense of danger and unpredictability.

Overall, Starred Up is a must-watch for fans of intense and gripping dramas. Its compelling story, exceptional performances, and realistic portrayal of prison life make it a standout film in the genre.

FAQs

Q: Is Starred Up based on a true story?

A: No, Starred Up is not based on a true story. However, it is inspired by the real-life experiences of former prison therapist Jonathan Asser, who drew from his own encounters working in British prisons to write the screenplay.

Q: Is the movie suitable for all audiences?

A: Starred Up is rated R for its explicit violence, strong language, and adult themes. It is not recommended for younger viewers or those who are sensitive to graphic content.

Q: Can I watch Starred Up online?

A: Yes, Starred Up is available for streaming on various platforms such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu. You can also rent or purchase the movie from online stores like iTunes or Google Play.

Q: What awards did Starred Up receive?

A: Starred Up received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards. It won the Best Actor Award at the British Independent Film Awards for Jack O’Connell’s outstanding performance. The film also received nominations for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, among others.

Q: Are there any similar movies to Starred Up?

A: If you enjoyed Starred Up, you may also like other prison and crime dramas like “A Prophet,” “Bronson,” “Fish Tank,” and “Shot Caller.” These films explore similar themes and offer compelling narratives set within the confines of prison life.