Which 2010 British crime thriller film, starring Colin Farrell as an ex-convict trying to escape his past and Keira Knightley as a reclusive actress, is set against the backdrop of the titular city's criminal underworld?

London Boulevard (Review) is indeed the 2010 British crime thriller that fits this description. The film stars Colin Farrell as Mitchel, an ex-convict fresh out of prison who attempts to leave his criminal past behind him. He takes a job working for Charlotte, a reclusive and famous young actress, played by Keira Knightley, who is constantly hounded by the paparazzi. Their burgeoning relationship develops against the dangerous backdrop of London's criminal underworld, as Mitchel finds himself inexorably drawn back into a life of crime by a ruthless gangster named Gant, portrayed by Ray Winstone.

The movie was written and directed by William Monahan, making his directorial debut. Monahan is an Academy Award-winning screenwriter, known for his work on "The Departed." "London Boulevard" is an adaptation of the 2001 novel of the same name by Irish author Ken Bruen.

Upon its release, "London Boulevard" received mixed to average reviews, with some critics praising its visual style and cast, while others found the narrative to be unfocused or cliched. Despite its initial reception, the film has found a new audience on streaming platforms, demonstrating its enduring appeal as a moody, sharply dressed crime drama with a blend of gangster grit and tragic romance. The film explores themes of redemption, the inescapable (Review) pull of past lives, and the corrosive nature of both the criminal underworld and celebrity culture.