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Clip description
Sonny (Kick Gurry) arrives in prison for the first time. He is offered protection by the police but an older prisoner, Williams (Tony Martin), takes him under his wing. Williams explains the unwritten rules of the 'big house’ as he escorts Sonny to their cell, passing the menacing Jacko (Gary Sweet) along the way.
Curator’s notes
These opening scenes use extended point-of-view shots to emphasise Sonny’s perspective on his situation – his helplessness, inexperience and dependence on others. The toughness of the dialogue, performances and visual style build up expectations of a gritty, harsh prison drama, making later shifts in tone more surprising.
Tony Martin’s acting CV includes a swag of hardened cop and crim roles, and he has demonstrated a particular gift for combining menace and friendliness, toughness and vulnerability. This role adds another impressive performance to a list that includes Neddy Smith in Blue Murder (1995).
