‘Get Carter’ director Mike Hodges has died at the age of 90

Tributes have been paid to film director Mike Hodges, known for films Get Carter and Flash Gordon, who has died aged 90.

Hodges’ death was confirmed by longtime friend Mike Kaplan, who produced his final film  I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead in 2003.

According to the Guardian, Hodges died on Saturday (December 17) at his home in Dorset. A cause of death is yet to be revealed.

Hodges began his career in television, before securing his breakthrough with 1971 British gangster classic Get Carter, starring Michael Caine. The film is considered to be one of the greatest British films ever made and went to secure a less well-received remake starring Sylvester Stallone in 2000.

After reuniting with Caine on comedy thriller Pulp, he memorably directed cult 1980 space adventure Flash Gordon, which starred Brian Blessed and featured a celebrated soundtrack composed by Queen.

Later success came in 1998 when he gave Clive Owen one of his earliest roles in the 1998 movie Croupier, before the pair reunited on his final feature film I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead in 2003.

Hodges is survived by his wife Carol Laws, his sons Ben and Jake, and five grandchildren.

Paying tribute, BBC broadcaster Samira Ahmed said: “Goodbye to my very special friend and film maker extraordinaire Mike Hodges. I loved this man so much. The metaphysical poet of British cinema and a generous, brilliant, kind and politically engaged man. I was so so lucky to know you and spend time with you.”

The British Film Institute added: “Versatile, yet with a unique style, Hodges was an actor’s director whose warmth and generosity were legendary.”