Keith Richards Lighting a Cigarette, London 1964
Michael Caine on the set of Get Carter was photographed by Terry O’Neill in 1971 during the filming of the British crime classic. The image shows Caine in character as Jack Carter, dressed in a tailored three-piece suit and holding a shotgun.
Get Carter marked a defining moment in Michael Caine’s career. The film broke away from the polished image often associated with British leading men of the era. Instead, it presented a colder, more ruthless figure grounded in realism.
The photograph reflects that shift. Caine’s expression is controlled and focused. There is no theatrical gesture or exaggerated pose. The power of the image lies in its restraint.
Terry O’Neill photographed many actors at moments when their public image was evolving. His work often captured the space between performance and reality. This Michael Caine on the set of Get Carter photograph is a clear example of that approach.
The setting is minimal. Brickwork and framing elements place the emphasis on the subject rather than the environment. Caine’s posture suggests quiet authority rather than action. The weapon feels symbolic rather than dramatic.
At the time of filming, Get Carter challenged expectations of British cinema. Its tone was darker and more uncompromising. Caine’s performance helped redefine the crime genre in the United Kingdom.
This Michael Caine on the set of Get Carter image stands as a document of that transformation. It captures an actor stepping fully into a harder, more modern screen presence.
Within Terry O’Neill’s archive, the photograph remains one of the most striking portrayals of Caine. It represents both a pivotal film and a pivotal moment in British film history.
Available Sizes (Unframed):
Editions of 50- 16 × 20 in (40.6 × 50.8 cm)
- 20 × 24 in (50.8 × 61 cm)
- 30 x 40 in (76.2 x 101.6 cm)
Edition Information:
During his lifetime, Terry O’Neill produced a significant body of signed, limited-edition fine art photographs. Following his passing, a small archive of works prepared for exhibition and sale remained within his estate. These photographs are now exceptionally rare and available only in limited sizes. Estate-stamped limited edition photographs are offered in select sizes only. Estate editions are released solely when the original signed edition of 50 in a given size had not fully sold out during the artist’s lifetime. In such cases, the remaining editions continue as Estate Editions until fully allocated. In select cases, this artwork may also be available as a hand-signed lifetime print. Please contact the gallery directly for current availability and details. Each print is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by the gallery.We ship worldwide and use a multitude of providers to safely deliver your masterpiece. Domestic delivery and installation may also be available via Hilton Contemporary’s private art shuttle.
