Metrograph

In order to play the role of smack-addled, ill-fated Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious, né John Simon Ritchie, dead of an overdose by 21, Gary Oldman subjected himself to a crash diet of “steamed fish and lots of melon” that briefly landed him in the hospital. Well, you can’t argue with the results! Oldman’s Vicious is more than just a surly sneer on a poster; he’s a troubled, slightly shy slum kid blindsided by sudden fame and afflicted by a two-pronged stab of amour fou: for his clingy American girlfriend, Nancy Spungen (Chloe Webb), and for the stuff they pass the time spiking their veins with whenever they’re together. Did we mention it’s one of the first true showcases of the talents of DP Roger Deakins, offers an early screen appearance by Courtney Love, and has Gary going for broke doing a cover of Sid’s cover of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”?

Distributor: Park Circus