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Muscle
A directionless call centre salesman gets more than he bargained for when he joins a local gym, in Gerard Johnson's stunning dissection of masculinity.
Director: Gerard Johnson
Overview
Simon is stuck in a rut. Consistently failing to meet targets at work, and clinging onto the tail end of a failing marriage, his only happiness is a cheeky pint down the boozer. Determined to make some changes, Simon takes the plunge and joins a no-frills bodybuilding gym. No sooner is he fumbling with the weightlifting equipment than hulking man-mountain Terry approaches with the offer of being his personal trainer. As Simon’s physical transformation begins, his gym buddy slowly infiltrates himself into all parts of his life, forcing Simon to question what Terry’s motivations really are. Handsomely shot in crisp black and white, Gerard Johnson’s testosterone-fuelled thriller is a meaty exploration (and critique) of amplified machismo, propelled by two extraordinary central performances from Cavan Clerkin and Craig Fairbrass.
strong real sex, nudity, very strong languageRelated
Muscle - Exclusive Q&A Muscle - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 34 mins
Director Gerard Johnson talks Nia Child through the making of Muscle, an adrenalized drama that tears into the stereotypes of masculinity and male friendship.
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