A Very British Gangster

Sometimes a film maker is lucky.  Director Donal MacIntyre lucked out when he managed to contact Dominic Noonan.  It would be extremely hard to make up such a character and even if you did the audience might not buy such a pile of contradictions.

Who is Dominic Noonan?   He goes to church every week.  He's respected in his community.  He owns his own security firm, and "bank" to which locals use for loans and protection.  He's got a big family and two sons and loves them all.

Dominic Noonan is also alleged to be involved in 25 murders.  Dominic Noonan once was part of a successful prison uprising.  He has his own gang and always has a brigade of young toughs at his side.  He manages to ride the local macho crime scene while also being unabashedly gay.

All these sides make for a fascinating portrait of a modern criminal.  It helps that Dominic is not shy about the camera.  He's very willing to speak on crimes that are well passed the statutes of limitations.  For example, he'll tell the director evenly that he not only tortured one bloke but it was "quality torture." 

The film not only charts the highs and lows of Dominic's career but also current problems including a shooting in the family and legal woes.  Dominic himself is a very personable guy.  You have to look twice to see the inner bull dog toughness that got him to where he is.  You can't really like or root for him, but it would almost be worth the risk to share a pint with him, just to say you did.  This film is a much safer way to have the same experience.