Mr. Nice

– This is not a James Bond movie.
– Well, it certainly feels like it.

Not exactly. But it certainly feels thoroughly soaked in 1970s style. The misty cinematography is the best evocation of an era I’ve seen since last year’s Red Riding trilogy — which incidentally won a TV BAFTA for cinematographer David Higgs over the weekend, as well as costume designer Natalie Ward and Best Supporting Actress honors for Rebecca Hall (thanks, Guy Lodge). Mr. Nice and The Red Riding Trilogy achieve a look so authentic they almost seem to be lost artifacts actually filmed during the times they depict.

Whatever other atmospheric merits Mr. Nice might have, Rhys Ifans looks terrific here. The film is written, directed and lensed by Bernard Rose, the man behind the very fine Immortal Beloved who’s maybe best known for the genuinely creepy thriller, Candyman.