A joyless trudge in ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’

There are filmgoers who thrill at the sight of blood and love nothing more than to spend an hour and a half with characters who embody the very worst in human behavior. These are the filmgoers who will enjoy “Dead Man’s Shoes.”

For the rest of us, this incredibly gory killing spree will serve primarily as a reminder that people do lots of horrible things. There’s a hint of Shakespeare’s bloodiest tragedies here, sucked dry of any attendant heart, emotional depth or compelling human interest.

Richard, a former British soldier, played by Paddy Considine (“In America”), has returned to Derbyshire, a rural county in England’s Midlands region, with revenge on his mind. He’s ticked off at the handful of lowlifes who abused his younger, mentally challenged brother, Anthony. Actually, “ticked off” doesn’t quite cover the depth and range of Richard’s anger. Let’s try “homicidal rage.” But don’t bother summoning up sympathy for his “victims”; when they are understandable (which is not very often, thanks to impenetrable accents), they’re generally espousing repugnant philosophies on life, women, etc. A relentless flashback technique allows us to experience not only the horrors of Richard’s present quest but also the terrible acts inflicted on Anthony.

Director Shane Meadows (“Once Upon a Time in the Midlands”) is known for embracing the dark side of exurban life, and here he remains true to his vision. There are flashes of grim humor interspersed with the murders, but not enough wit to elevate this movie beyond its primary identity: grisly revenge fantasy.

*

‘Dead Man’s Shoes’

MPAA rating: Unrated

A Magnolia Pictures release. Director Shane Meadows. Screenplay Meadows, Paddy Considine and Paul Fraser. Director of photography Daniel Cohen. Editors Celia Haining, Lucas Roche and Chris Wyatt. Music Aphex Twin. Producer Mark Herbert. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Exclusively at Laemmle’s Sunset 5, 8000 Sunset Blvd., L.A. (323) 848-3500.