Layer Cake: Review

Layer Cake is a 2004 British crime thriller film directed by Matthew Vaughn, in his directorial debut. The screenplay was adapted by J. J. Connolly from his novel of the same name. It stars Daniel Craig as “XXXX”, the anonymous protagonist of the film, who is an established drug dealer; having routed himself in the London criminal underground. On the surface the film looks exactly like any other British Gangster movie, a popular sub-genre during the period of release (2004), having to compete with such films as; “Snatch” and “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”. However it manages to set itself apart with key themes that differ from traditional genre conventions, Craig’s character is not “East-End Hard man” who would bash your head in for looking at him, his character abhors violence and only does so to further his own agenda; his plan throughout the film is to make a “Clean Mill” and retire.

Of course this does not go over so swimmingly, causing the protagonist to have to dirty his hands and clean up messes he did not make. What is interesting in the marketing of the film is that it presents itself as the aforementioned, clichéd, British Crime thriller in its advertisement. Showing Daniel Craig’s character often holding the boss and looking like the leader of a crime syndicate. I think this has to do with that this type of genre was very much the “Flavour of the month” and although Layer Cake is different in many aspects it would like to present itself like any other film to draw in audiences, this looks odd having watched it eleven years on as it does do a competent job of distinguishing itself from the similar films of that time.

In conclusion, Layer Cake is a smart and much more grounded take on the popular “British Gangster” movie, favouring clever plot devices and strong character development; rather than Grandiose gun fights were the hero’s “Plot armour” is so thick that they’re able to take down the rival gang all by themselves. Craig’s character is very much portrayed as the smart, and business minded individual just attempting to make money and move on. They even demonstrate the character weakness on many occasions as he is often overpowered by stronger and more traditional genre characters.