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Vaughn had not been given the complete script so Ritchie acted out the end, playing all the different roles down the phone. "I was completely hooked because the script was so colourful and original. It's like a roller coaster ride, in fact we almost called it Helter Skelter. This movie starts with a buzz and then spirals into fun and confusion."
Although it was Ritchie's first feature, his previous short film The Hard Case, was sufficiently impressive to secure interest not only from financial backers but also persuaded Sting to take the role of JD. "I'd seen Guy's short film and was excited by the pace and energy in it. The way in which he handles violence and action appealed to me. I don't like gratuitous violence. I think it's much more chilling when it's suggested rather than graphic."
For Ritchie, getting exactly the right actor for each role was essential. "The casting took forever and we auditioned hundreds of people, but I was determined to hold out until we got the real McCoy." This led to employing several genuine ex-cons, who certainly invest the film with its menacing undertones.
Ritchie also looked to the celebrity arena to secure the right cast such as Vinne Jones. "I didn't hesitate in casting Vinnie as I have the most incredible respect for his acting capabilities.
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