- Actors: Ken Stott, Frances Grey, Jamie Draven, Kieran O'Brien, Raymond Trickitt
- Format: PAL
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 - 1.77:1
- Number of discs: 2
- Classification: 15
- Studio: Mosaic
- DVD Release Date: 24 Feb 2003
- Run Time: 152 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00005LW4U
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 39,236 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Reviews
Amazon.co.uk Review
The on-screen infatuation with serial killers continues with Messiah, an absorbing, intelligent two-part BBC TV film that's a close cousin to David Fincher's Seven. Based on the novel by Boris Starling (who also co-wrote the screenplay), Messiah follows Detective Chief Inspector Red Metcalfe (Ken Stott) in tracking down someone with a Christ complex in a murder-case involving 12 "Apostles". A fine line is trod in presenting enough horror so as to intrigue, but not so much as to repel. Decapitations, cut out tongues and flayed skin are all masked in shadow or reflection. More attractive to the eye is a strong cast including Edward Woodward as the case's religious consultant and the keeper of Metcalfe's wayward brother and Michelle Forbes as his deaf wife (the actress learnt sign language in six days for the part). Other notables are Ron Berglas as the unemotional expositional pathologist and Gillian Taylforth as the beleaguered wife of corruptible copper Duncan (Neil Dudgeon). With fine supporting work from Frances Grey, Jamie Draven, Art Malik and 25,000 flies, you'll be racking your brains to spot the killer. Expect to jump several times along the way.
On the DVD: a 30-minute behind-the-scenes documentary interviews all the key cast members on their thoughts of grisly imagery and working with one another. The producers have plenty to say on the original script and use of red herrings to distract us. Writer Boris Starling is comically talked to while in make-up as one of the victims. A few (wisely) deleted scenes, text biographies of cast and crew and a gallery of 12 photos round out the extras package. --Paul Tonks
Special Features
16:9 Wide Screen
DVD 9
English
Region 2
Dolby Stereo English
Dolby Stereo
Scene Index
Behind The Scenes
Photo Gallery
Deleted Scenes
Cast And Crew Notes
DVD 9
English
Region 2
Dolby Stereo English
Dolby Stereo
Scene Index
Behind The Scenes
Photo Gallery
Deleted Scenes
Cast And Crew Notes
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Messiah - Handel would turn in his grave!,
This review is from: Messiah [DVD] [2001] (DVD)
If you suffer from a nervous disposition and/or you are squeamish, look away now, as this chilling tale of serial murder contains more blood and gore than you can shake a machete at. The remarkable Ken Stott leads a team of baffled London police officers through a maze of bodies and theories, while simultaneously battling ghosts from his own troubled past. Questions and debates rage throughout; why does the killer change his weapon for each murder, what links a dead chef to a bishop and a soldier, and how can they trace a killer who leaves not one single piece of evidence behind? This is a visually disturbing and mostly faithful re-creation of the images from the novel by Boris Starling, although certain changes have been made. An interesting decision to make DCI Metcalfe's wife profoundly deaf, but American actress Michelle Forbes carries it off beautifully. Ken Stott's performance is as powerful as ever; the chemistry between Metcalfe and his estranged brother Eric is so intense it's almost uncomfortable, and Neil Dudgeon excels as the character you'll love to hate. Admittedly, the script is not particularly kind to Frances Grey. ("There's something in there", she groans during one scene. Well gee, you don't say!) However, she makes the best of fairly limited character material. "Messiah" is far, far more than your average 'whodunnit'. The concepts it tackles are both clever and thought-provoking. If you've read the book, you can sit back and enjoy feeling smug. If you haven't, this controversial and thrilling drama will keep you guessing right until the end.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spine tinglingly good!,
By
This review is from: Messiah [DVD] [2001] (DVD)
This two part drama is amazing. The plot is so clever and twisted it will keep you guessing right up to the end.Many people compare this to the film seven, for obvious reasons. I saw this drama before being lent seven by a friend and i have to say i found this far creepier than the film, infact seven is almost a family movie compared to the horror that lurks in this macarbe drama.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Its like Seven without Brad Pitt,
By Clegsy (Leeds, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Messiah [VHS] [2001] (VHS Tape)
At 28 I'm very ashamed of the fact that I got so spooked watching this I had to go and sit next to my dad on the settee. This really is a gruesome, gripping and graphic drama, very well acted and with a few twists to keep you guessing. London is in the grip of a serial killer who is dispatching males with alarming regularity and seemingly without motive. The only clue is the victims tongues have all been removed and a silver spoon inserted into their mouths This is not for anyone who goes queasy watching Casualty, as the murders really are very bloodthirsty and along the lines of Seven. BUT if like me you love a good creepy thriller then this comes highly recommended although it may put you off having a shower for a while!!!
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