Nil by Mouth

Fopii

Nil by Mouth, 1997

Directed by Gary Oldman

Cast: Ray Winstone, Kathy Burke, Charlie Creed-Miles

In the Films to See Before You Die strand, Paul Kaye introduces Gary Oldman's directorial debut, a coruscating slice of south London life, based on aspects of his early life. Ray Winstone plays Ray, married to Valerie (Cannes-winning Kathy Burke). Ray tries to be a good man but when alcohol fires the demons from his own savage upbringing, he lashes out.

Nil by Mouth is a 1997 British film surrounding the life of a family of characters living in South East London. It was Gary Oldman's debut as writer, director; he also produced the film in partnership with Douglas Urbanski. It stars Ray Winstone as Raymond, the abusive husband of Valerie (Kathy Burke). The film was a critical success, winning eight awards and being nominated for a further eight.

The film is based on Oldman's own experiences of growing up on a council estate in South East London. Oldman cast his sister Laila Morse (most famous for playing Mo Harris in EastEnders) as Janet and had his mother sing the parting song in the film (although it was dubbed over a shot of another actress singing).