Many films are made purely for enjoyment and with little purpose else. Then there are those produced with an agenda, and these aren’t always designed to bring joy. Scum is one of those films. It was originally introduced on the BBC but was cancelled due to its graphic nature. As a result, writer Roy Minton and director Alan Clarke shot a film version and proceeded to make it even harder to watch.
Harder doesn’t mean worse or bad, but there’s no denying that Scum is not a waltz or a nice day in the park. The movie debuted in the late 70s, which should say a lot about why it was kept from the public upon production of the first TV movie. Scum takes place in a British juvenile detention center. Within the institution are sadistic correctional officers, unsympathetic authority figures, a mixture of violent and psychologically manipulative young inmates, and a whole manner of harsh conditions that shouldn’t be wished upon the worst of enemies. Scum takes a hard look inside the walls of the borstal, depicting what was at the time, a completely unacceptable environment for young offenders.
Scum is one of those films. It was originally introduced on the BBC but was cancelled due to its graphic nature.
Alan Clarke chose to direct Scum in a dark but realistic approach on the production side of things. There is no musical score, and the camera will not cut away from some of the more horrific occurrences. These techniques make everything raw and gritty, showing that Scum’s environment is one of suffering and agony. The film is meant to evoke a discomforting sensation for viewers, this is by design and it definitely works. The situations are cruel, the acting is intense, and the overall ambience is one of hopelessness and an inevitable feeling that things will only get worse. Being too descriptive with the sensitive nature of the subject matter would only serve to drive people away, but that is not to say that Scum is not a film that shouldn’t be approached without fair warning. There is nothing happy about this film. There’s no silver lining or light at the end of the tunnel. The purpose is an obvious one, but it’s not pleasant to endure. There are scenes that will shock and even borderline traumatize some viewers, so everyone and anyone is cautioned not to take it lightly. Film fans are encouraged to see Scum, but be sure to take every warning under advisement. This journey is not for the faint hearted.
With everything that’s been addressed here, there are likely two types of people that will read this. One is the type who will take this as a challenge, and the other is the type to see no reason why they shouldn’t turn the other way and run. If nothing else, understand this. Scum is the film of nightmares, not because it’s a horror movie but because it depicts a terrifying reality. It will ‘stay with you’ and for some, it may linger forever. Brave enough? Scum can be viewed freely on the Flick Vault YouTube channel.
