Being well known for making hard-hitting British movies like The Football Factory (which he wrote and directed), Outlaw (which he wrote and directed), the 2009 remake of The Firm (which he again wrote and directed), and Bronson (which he produced), Nick Love sounds like the perfect candidate to bring an adaptation of the cult ‘70s cop show The Sweeney to the big screen; something he’s currently in the process of doing.
The original series aired on ITV, for only three years, in the 1970s and is widely recognized as the show that revolutionized all following police shows; as its hard-hitting approach sharply diverted from the Dixon of Dock Green method of showing an upstanding, by-the-book, bobby, and presented two lead detectives that were about as flawed as the criminals that they were chasing; being rough, tough, and not afraid to work to the very limits of the law (even going slightly beyond and not being afraid to get into a bit of a rough and tumble if the situation called for it).
It’s no surprise then that The Sweeney has maintained its cult status for around 40 years, and has a huge number of people watching and waiting to see if the film version can live up to its predecessor; something which Nick love is desperate to see happen, as he wants his film to not only be a stan-alone success, but also pay homage to the original series, and satisfy its fans.
Love’s currently writing a new draft of the film; because a Sweeney movie of some sorts has been in one stage of development or another for years and needed freshening up; and aims to make it a success by continuing his use of sharp dialogue, and making The Sweeney a slick and gritty cops and robbers movie.
The credibility of the picture has also taken another leap up recently, as Ray Winstone (who’s known for playing his fair share of cockney hard-men, when he’s not dabbling in big budget Hollywood pictures like The Departed, and Edge of Darkness, or trying out period pieces like Henry VIII) has now officially been confirmed to be starring as lead detective Jack Regan (the character previously played by Inspector’s Morse’s John Thaw); a part which seems tailor made for the 44 Inch Chest star.
There’s no word yet on who will play the part of George Carter; Regan’s partner (who was previously portrayed by Minder’s Dennis Waterman); or exactly what form the plot will take, let alone whether or not Dennis Waterman is going to write the theme tune and sing the theme tune, but for now at least fans of the show can rest assured that the feature adaptation seems to be in safe hands, and that it’s due for release in 2012.
