Deep in the Heart (1984): Tony Garnett’s Lost Film Rediscovered - The 80s Movie Podcast

Deep in the Heart (1984): Tony Garnett’s Lost Film Rediscovered - The 80s Movie Podcast

Author: Edward Havens December 1, 2023 Duration: 16:41
This week on The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens takes a look at one of the most difficult and overlooked films of the early 1980s: Deep in the Heart (released in the UK as Handgun), a 1983 vigilante drama directed by British filmmaker Tony Garnett. Set in Texas, the film follows Kathleen Sullivan, a teacher who relocates from Boston and is violently assaulted by a local lawyer, leading her to confront both the failures of the justice system and her own transformation through firearms training and self-defense. The film stands out in early 80s cinema for its unflinching approach to gun culture in America, blending social commentary with the structure of a revenge thriller in a way that sparked controversy and limited distribution. Despite strong critical discussion of its themes, Handgun quickly faded from mainstream awareness and became a rarely-seen title for decades. Edward explores the film’s production history, its British-American perspective on American gun ownership, and how Tony Garnett used the revenge genre to critique (not glorify) violence, setting it apart from more exploitative entries in the same era of cinema.

Edward Havens, a film historian and former critic, hosts The 80s Movie Podcast, offering a deep and curated exploration of cinema from that decade. This isn't just a surface-level recap of famous blockbusters, though those certainly have their place. Instead, the podcast serves as a guided tour through the entire ecosystem of 1980s filmmaking. Listeners will hear episodes dedicated to the obscure distribution companies that once shaped what played in theaters, and rediscover movies that have slipped from popular memory. The conversation naturally expands to profile the iconic stars and visionary directors who defined the era's unique aesthetic. Havens draws on his background to provide context and insight, treating each film as a piece of a larger historical tapestry. Tuning into this podcast means gaining a richer understanding of why the 1980s remain such a distinct and influential period in visual storytelling. It’s for anyone who loves the texture of film history, from the forgotten gems to the cultural touchstones, all examined with a knowledgeable and engaging perspective. The show carefully balances nostalgia with revelation, ensuring every episode reveals something new about a seemingly familiar landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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