Watch The Legend of Barney Thompson

The Legend of Barney Thompson is a Scottish black comedy film directed by Robert Carlyle and starring Emma Thompson, Carlyle himself, and Ray Winstone. The movie is set in Glasgow and tells the story of Barney, an apathetic, inept barber who accidentally becomes a serial killer. Barney Thompson (Robert Carlyle) leads a dull life as a barber in a high-end hair salon in Glasgow's West End, where he's the laughing stock of his colleagues for his lack of skills and absent-minded nature. His boss, the flamboyant Stephen (Tom Courtenay), is constantly berating him and threatening to fire him. Barney's home life is no better, as he lives with his dementia-stricken mother (Eileen McCallum) and is estranged from his rebel daughter, who always seems to be involved in some kind of criminal activity.

One day, after a heated argument with Stephen, Barney accidentally kills him in a fit of rage. Instead of reporting the incident to the police, Barney decides to cover up his tracks and disposes of the body. However, things quickly spiral out of control as a detective (Ray Winstone) starts investigating Stephen's disappearance and Barney's colleagues become suspicious of his strange behavior.

As Barney tries to stay one step ahead of the law and keep his secret hidden, he inadvertently becomes entangled in a cat-and-mouse game with the detective, who's convinced that Barney is the killer. To make matters worse, Barney's ex-wife (Emma Thompson) also shows up, adding a new layer of complications to an already messy situation.

Throughout the movie, Carlyle's character is portrayed as a timid, bumbling figure who's not cut out for the criminal world. Despite his best efforts to maintain a veneer of normalcy, he's plagued by guilt and paranoia and can't help but attract unwanted attention. The supporting cast is equally entertaining, with Emma Thompson playing Barney's foul-mouthed ex-wife Cemolina and Ray Winstone giving a memorable performance as the grizzled detective who's determined to catch his man.

The Legend of Barney Thompson is a dark, quirky comedy that blends elements of crime and thriller genres with a distinct Glaswegian flavor. The movie's cinematography and art direction are top-notch, capturing the gritty, urban backdrop of the city and providing a vivid canvas for the story's dark humor. The film's humor, while unrestrained, remains tasteful and never ventures into the realm of tastelessness.

Overall, The Legend of Barney Thompson is a well-executed, well-scripted movie that delivers plenty of laughs and suspense. Robert Carlyle's performance is outstanding, and he's ably supported by a talented cast of actors. The movie is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Glasgow and showcases the city in all its gritty glory. If you're a fan of dark comedies or crime thrillers, you won't regret watching this movie.

The Legend of Barney Thompson is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 96 hours.