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Scum

Scum

TV Movie · Drama · Crime · 1977

Carlin is a new reform school inmate with a reputation as a hard case. The authorities encourage gang leader Pongo to humble Carlin, but Carlin overtakes Pongo as Daddy of the ward. The guards institute a reign of terror and neglect, with Carlin emerging as an unlikely leader.

Movie details

Scum

1977 TV Movie · Drama · Crime 1h 18m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

7.3 / 10

Community rating

Carlin is a new reform school inmate with a reputation as a hard case. The authorities encourage gang leader Pongo to humble Carlin, but Carlin overtakes Pongo as Daddy of the ward. The guards institute a reign of terror and neglect, with Carlin emerging as an unlikely leader.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Scum?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Alan Clarke

Written by

Roy Minton

Ray Winstone

Ray Winstone

Carlin

David Threlfall

David Threlfall

Archer

Martin Phillips

Martin Phillips

Davis

D

Davidson Knight

Angel

John Blundell

John Blundell

Banks

Phil Daniels

Phil Daniels

Richards

Ray Burdis

Ray Burdis

Eckersley

Court is in session

Put Scum on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Prestige Tourist

“Form is the argument.”

Every composed frame and deliberate cut is evidence that control can be thrilling in its own right.

The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist

“Technique in search of a pulse.”

Immaculate construction is still construction. The film may be too busy proving its craft to feel alive.