Albert Pierrepoint (Spall) is delighted in 1932 to become an executioner, following the footsteps of his father and uncle. He's able to completely separate work from home-life with his wife (Stevenson), who quietly figures out what he does for a living. He even has an amateur comedy double act in the local pub with his pal "Tish" (Marsan). He's so good at his job that after the war he's sent to Nuremberg to hang rather a lot of Nazis. This turns him into a reluctant public hero, and starts him thinking about his job.

The story may sound gloomy and grisly, and at times it is. But it's also enlightening and thoughtfully made, with a sharply intelligent script and bracingly honest performances. Spall is absolutely riveting in the central role--likeable, engaging and also subtly shaded as he combines Albert's compassion and practicality. Stevenson is rock-solid in a repressed but expressive role. And Marsan lights up the screen whenever he appears.

The filmmakers assemble the story in a gritty, emotional style. The straightforward chronology, tame black humour and elegant period detail make it feel like a TV movie; but there's depth here, and on the big screen the film's shadows and noises are unnerving. And then there's the story itself, which beautifully highlights Albert's meticulous approach to the task, his pride in a job well done and his crisp way of keeping things in perspective.

So when the plot delivers its gut-punch we are as badly shaken as he is. This stunner of a sequence leaves us utterly breathless, forced to examine the issue in a completely new way. And like Albert we're haunted by the implications. This is riveting, provocative filmmaking that really grapples with the issue of capital punshment--and much more--but in an unobtrusive way that lets us engage our own brains. In that sense, it's utterly essential viewing.

strong themes, violence, brief nudity, sexuality

30.Jan.06

Carol, Preston: "Yes I know the film doesn't sound like a bundle of fun and I can't say I 'enjoyed'" it because of the subject matter. But its one of those films that appealed to me because its something different to the mainstream run-of-the-mill stuff. Pierrepoint was a person who went about his work with a quiet dignity. So many film characters are so 2 dimensional. Thank god Hollywood didn't get hold of this story! The film leaves you thinking on lots of questions about the whole punishment thing when you've finished watching the film. Theres no cheap thrills, sensationlism, sentimentality - its a story simply told without making judgement. The casting is great. Timothy Spall plays Pierrepoint. He's just amazing." (9.May.06)