The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

I don’t get too excited about the British “angry young man” films.  They all seem a bit same-y to me (which you could say of noir as well, but those are same-y in ways that I enjoy).  But I don’t mind them, and this one ain’t bad.  I didn’t care for certain touches like the goofy music or the sped-up bits, but the flashback style was interesting.  Richardson drops flashbacks on you without warning, but without being jarring.  Tom Courtenay makes a very relatable protagonist, with his cheeky rebelliousness and self-destructive whims.  I liked him a little more in Billy Liar, but he’s quite good here as well.  As a fan of Michael Redgrave, I wish he’d been put to better use.  Hmm… I dunno what else to say.  I find myself at a loss for words today.  Rating: 7

IMDb