Blitz 2011, based on Ken Bruen’s novel, is a gritty crime thriller that follows the story of a tough cop who is determined to stop a serial killer targeting London’s police force.
The film, directed by Elliott Lester, stars Jason Statham as the protagonist, Detective Sergeant Tom Brant.
This comprehensive guide to the film and book explores summaries, characters, and Ken Bruen’s legacy. In the following sections, we will delve into various aspects of the film and book, such as the plot, characters, memorable quotes, soundtrack, and curiosities.
Blitz book summary and key characters
Ken Bruen’s novel Blitz was published in 2002 and is a part of his series of novels featuring the character Detective Sergeant Tom Brant.
The book is set in London, where a serial killer is on the loose, targeting police officers. Brant, a hardened, no-nonsense cop, is assigned the task of catching the killer.
The novel delves into the dark underbelly of London’s criminal world, with Brant navigating through the seedy underworld to apprehend the killer.
The key characters in the book include Tom Brant, a tough, maverick cop with a penchant for violence; his partner, Detective Sergeant Porter Nash, who is openly gay and struggling with the prejudice of his colleagues; and the serial cop killer, Barry Weiss, a former soldier with a personal vendetta against the police. Other characters include Radnor, a police informant; WPC Elizabeth Falls, a young police officer with a troubled past; and Superintendent Brown, Brant’s superior who is under pressure to solve the case quickly.
Blitz movie summary and key characters
The Blitz movie, released in 2011, is a British action thriller film directed by Elliott Lester and based on the novel by Ken Bruen.
The movie stars Jason Statham as Detective Sergeant Tom Brant, a tough cop who is determined to stop a serial killer targeting police officers in London.
Brant teams up with Detective Sergeant Porter Nash, played by Paddy Considine, to hunt down the killer who is leaving a trail of dead cops in his wake.
The key characters in the movie are similar to those in the book, with the addition of a few new faces.
These include Detective Sergeant Porter Nash, Brant’s new partner; Barry Weiss, the serial cop killer; Radnor, a police informant; WPC Elizabeth Falls; and Superintendent Brown. The movie follows Brant and Nash as they race against time to catch the killer before he strikes again.
The parent guide to Blitz
Blitz is a gritty, violent crime thriller that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
The film is rated R for strong brutal violence, language, some drug use, and nudity. Parents should be aware that the movie contains graphic depictions of violence, including bloody crime scenes and intense fight sequences. There is also strong language throughout the film, as well as scenes involving drug use and brief nudity.
The book, like the film, is also quite dark and violent, with graphic descriptions of violence and strong language. Parents should be aware of these elements when considering whether the book is appropriate for their children. It is recommended that the book and film are suitable for mature audiences, preferably ages 17 and up.
When and where Blitz takes place: Exploring film locations
Blitz takes place in London, England, with the film showcasing various iconic locations throughout the city. The movie was filmed in several well-known areas of London, including Southwark, Brixton, and Canary Wharf. Some of the notable locations featured in the film include the Southwark Police Station, which served as the exterior of the fictional police station; the Brixton Recreation Centre, which was used for an intense fight scene; and the Docklands area, which provided the backdrop for the climactic chase sequence.
The book, like the film, is also set in London, with the story taking place in and around the city’s gritty, crime-ridden neighborhoods. Ken Bruen’s vivid descriptions of London’s streets and landmarks help bring the story to life, making the city itself an important character in the novel.
Who’s who in Blitz: Character guide
In this section, we will provide a brief guide to the main characters in Blitz, both in the book and the movie:
- Detective Sergeant Tom Brant: A tough, no-nonsense cop who is determined to catch the serial cop killer. Played by Jason Statham in the film.
- Detective Sergeant Porter Nash: Brant’s openly gay partner who helps him in the investigation. Played by Paddy Considine in the film.
- Barry Weiss: The serial cop killer who is targeting police officers across London. Played by Aidan Gillen in the film.
- Radnor: A police informant who provides information to Brant and Nash. Played by Ned Dennehy in the film.
- WPC Elizabeth Falls: A young police officer with a troubled past who is targeted by the killer. Played by Zawe Ashton in the film.
- Superintendent Brown: Brant’s superior who is under pressure to solve the case quickly. Played by David Morrissey in the film.
Memorable quotes from Blitz
Throughout both the book and the film, there are several memorable quotes that stand out. Here are a few notable examples:
- “A word of advice, girls. If you’re picking the wrong fight… at least pick the right weapon.” – Tom Brant (film)
- “You come across a maniac, best you can do is make sure you’re the hardest maniac of all.” – Tom Brant (book)
- “You don’t ask any questions, you don’t get any lies.” – Porter Nash (book)
- “The people you’re after are the people you depend on. We cook your meals. We haul your trash. We connect your calls. We drive your ambulances. We guard you while you sleep.” – Barry Weiss (film)
Ilan Eshkeri’s soundtrack contribution
Ilan Eshkeri, a British composer, contributed to the soundtrack of Blitz. He has worked on numerous films and TV shows, including Stardust, The Young Victoria, and Still Alice. The music in Blitz is a combination of electronic and orchestral sounds, creating an atmospheric and intense score that adds to the film’s gritty, dark tone.
Some of the standout tracks from the soundtrack include “Brant’s Theme,” which serves as the main theme for Jason Statham’s character, and “Nash’s Theme,” which provides a more introspective and emotional counterpoint to the action-packed score. The soundtrack is an essential component of the film, helping to heighten the tension and drama throughout the story.
Curiosities and behind-the-scenes facts
Blitz is a film that offers a wealth of interesting behind-the-scenes facts and curiosities. Here are a few noteworthy pieces of trivia:
- Jason Statham performed most of his stunts in the film, including a scene where he jumps from a bridge onto a moving van.
- The novel’s author, Ken Bruen, makes a cameo appearance in the film as a bar patron.
- The film’s director, Elliott Lester, has a brief cameo as a police officer.
- Blitz was shot in just 38 days, with the majority of the filming taking place at night to capture the dark, gritty atmosphere of the story.
Tips for Blitz-inspired cosplay and dressing like the characters
If you are a fan of Blitz and want to dress up as one of the characters for a cosplay event or party, here are some tips to help you achieve the look:
- Tom Brant: To dress like Tom Brant, you will need a black leather jacket, a plain black or grey t-shirt, black jeans, and black boots. Don’t forget to add a fake police badge and a toy gun to complete the look.
- Porter Nash: To cosplay as Porter Nash, you will need a black suit, a white dress shirt, a black tie, and black dress shoes. You can also add a fake police badge and a toy gun to complete the costume.
- Barry Weiss: For a Barry Weiss costume, you will need a black hoodie, black jeans, black gloves, and black boots. To complete the look, add some fake scars and bruises to your face, as well as a toy knife.
Ken Bruen: Author biography and notable works
Ken Bruen is an Irish author of crime fiction, best known for his Jack Taylor series and the Tom Brant series, which includes Blitz. Born in Galway, Ireland, Bruen has a Ph.D. in metaphysics and has worked as a teacher in Africa, Japan, and Southeast Asia. He began writing in the early 1990s and has since become one of Ireland’s most celebrated crime writers.
Some of Bruen’s notable works include The Guards, The Killing of the Tinkers, and Once Were Cops. His writing is characterized by dark humor, a gritty realism, and a focus on the seedier aspects of society. Bruen has received numerous awards for his work, including the Shamus Award, the Macavity Award, and the Edgar Award.
Blitz ending explained
The ending of Blitz, both in the book and the movie, sees Tom Brant and Porter Nash finally track down and apprehend the serial cop killer, Barry Weiss. In the climactic confrontation, Weiss is killed, bringing his reign of terror to an end. The story concludes with Brant and Nash gaining a new level of respect for each other and continuing to work together to fight crime in London.
In the film, the ending is slightly altered, with Brant and Nash actually saving Weiss from a gang of criminals who are seeking revenge on him. Afterward, Brant decides to let Weiss go, believing that he will be killed by the criminal underworld. This decision is made in an effort to keep the police force’s reputation intact, as well as to avoid further media scrutiny.
Potential for remakes, sequels, and spin-offs
Given the popularity of Ken Bruen’s novels and the success of the Blitz film, there is potential for future adaptations or sequels featuring the character of Tom Brant. Additionally, Bruen’s other novels, including the Jack Taylor series, could be adapted for the screen, either as films or television series.
As of now, there have been no official announcements regarding remakes, sequels, or spin-offs, but the potential for further adaptations of Bruen’s work remains. Fans of the author’s gritty crime stories can only hope that more of his novels will find their way to the screen in the future.
Other media by Elliott Lester
Elliott Lester is a British director who has worked on several films and television shows throughout his career. In addition to Blitz, some of his other notable works include the films Love Is the Drug, Sleepwalker, and Nightingale, as well as episodes of the television series Chop Shop and Star-Crossed. Lester’s directorial style often focuses on gritty, realistic stories that delve into the darker aspects of human nature.
Similar media to Blitz: Films and books
If you enjoyed Blitz, both the book and the film, there are several other films and books that you might enjoy. Some similar films include The French Connection, Dirty Harry, Se7en, and the Lethal Weapon series. These films all feature tough, no-nonsense cops who are determined to bring criminals to justice, often using unconventional methods.
In terms of books, fans of Ken Bruen’s work might enjoy the novels of authors such as James Ellroy, Ian Rankin, and Dennis Lehane. These authors all write gritty, dark crime fiction that explores the murky underbelly of society and the complex characters who inhabit it.
Other works by Ken Bruen: Exploring his literary universe
In addition to the Tom Brant series, which includes Blitz, Ken Bruen has written several other novels and series that are worth exploring. Some of his other notable works include:
- The Jack Taylor series: This series follows the exploits of a former Irish police officer who becomes a private investigator in Galway, Ireland. The series includes books such as The Guards, The Killing of the Tinkers, and The Magdalen Martyrs.
- The White Trilogy: A series of crime novels set in London, featuring the characters of Roberts and Brant. The trilogy includes the books A White Arrest, Taming the Alien, and The McDead.
- Standalone novels: Bruen has also written several standalone novels, including The Hackman Blues, Rilke on Black, and Once Were Cops.
Book club discussion questions for Blitz
If you are discussing Blitz in a book club, here are some questions to help guide your conversation:
- How does the novel portray the city of London? What role does the setting play in the story?
- What are the main themes of the book? How do these themes resonate throughout the story?
- How does the relationship between Brant and Nash evolve throughout the novel? What factors contribute to their growing respect for each other?
- How does the novel explore the concept of justice? Are Brant’s methods justified, or do they cross a line?
- How does the book compare to the film adaptation? What are the key differences between the two?
Blitz in the gaming world: Video game adaptations
While there have been no video game adaptations of Blitz or Ken Bruen’s other novels, the gritty, dark tone of the story could make for an interesting gaming experience. Fans of the book and film can only hope that a Blitz-inspired video game may be developed in the future, allowing players to step into the shoes of Tom Brant and experience the thrilling world of crime-fighting in London.
Travel guide to visit Blitz filming locations
For fans of the film who are interested in visiting the locations where Blitz was shot, a trip to London offers the perfect opportunity to explore the city and its iconic landmarks. Some of the key filming locations include:
- Southwark Police Station: The exterior of the fictional police station in the film.
- Brixton Recreation Centre: The site of an intense fight scene in the movie.
- Canary Wharf and the Docklands area: The backdrop for the climactic chase sequence.
In addition to these specific locations, a visit to London also provides the chance to explore the city’s rich history, world-class museums, and vibrant cultural scene. Fans of the film and book will certainly appreciate the opportunity to walk the streets of London and experience the atmosphere that inspired Ken Bruen’s gritty crime thriller.
Conclusion
Blitz 2011, both the film and the book, is a thrilling crime story that takes readers and viewers on a gripping journey through the dark underbelly of London. With memorable characters, a tense plot, and a vivid portrayal of the city, Blitz offers a compelling exploration of justice, revenge, and the complexities of human nature.
