| A Sense of Freedom | |
| Director: | John Mackenzie |
| Producer: | Jeremy Isaacs |
| Starring: | David Hayman Jake D'Arcy Sean Scanlan Hector Nicol Fulton Mackay |
| Music: | Frankie Miller Rory Gallagher |
| Cinematography: | Chris Menges |
| Editing: | Alan MacMillan |
| Studio: | Scottish Television |
| Distributor: | HandMade Films |
| Runtime: | 85 minutes |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Language: | English |
A Sense of Freedom is a 1981 Scottish crime film directed by John Mackenzie for Scottish Television.[1] The film stars David Hayman and featured Jake D'Arcy, Sean Scanlan, Hector Nicol, Alex Norton and Fulton Mackay.[2] It is based on the autobiography of Glasgow gangster Jimmy Boyle, who was reputed to be Scotland's most violent man.[3] Due to non-co-operation by the Scottish Prison Service in allowing a film crew access to their property, Hayman's scenes in prison were filmed in Dublin's Kilmainham Jail.[4]
A harrowing tale of a habitual and brutal criminal. Boyle repeatedly resisted attempts by the Prison Service to dampen his temper. He was brutally assaulted many times by Prison Officers.[5] He also assaulted many staff including a brutal attack causing an officer to lose his eye.[6]
The film received a BAFTA nomination for Best Single Play.[7]
The music is by Frankie Miller and Rory Gallagher.[8]