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From Amazon.co.uk
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
Product Description
Over a sweltering summer in London, a serial killer is targeting wealthy men, slaughtering them and replacing their tongues with silver spoons. The man appointed to track the murderer down is Detective Superintendent Red Metcalfe (Ken Stott), renowned for his ability to get under the skin of any killer. However, this knack seems to desert the detective as the body count continues to rise without providing the slightest clue to link the otherwise unrelated victims...
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
48 of 49 people found the following review helpful
By John Challen
Format:DVD
I missed Messiah 1 when it first came out on TV, but really enjoyed the subsequent series. This review refers to an Amazon rental, so I don't have the beef about the rip-off release that other reviewers have. The storyline is in the best traditions of the very best the BBC can offer, and the twists and turns that develop are enthralling as the gruesome murders unfold and continue. Ken Scott is superb as the disturbed CI Red Metcalf, supported by a who's who of big TV names (Edward Woodward, Gillian Taylforth et al). I for one did not guess the real serial killer until the unveiling. The production standards are very high for a programme made for TV, and equal to most general release movies - decomposing bodies, gruesome crucifictions, severed heads etc are all convincing. I would give this 6 stars if I could, and can't wait to watch Messiah 2 - the next disc on my Amazon rental list! Watch it - you won't be disappointed.
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful
By cazmac
Format:DVD
I bought this DVD without having seen it or knowing a great deal about it other than the reviews I read on Amazon. It is simply another brilliant British crime/drama series and am again grateful that such intelligent product exists amongst such worldwide garbage that is screened these days. Ken Stott et al are totally believable in their roles and the decision to make his wife deaf gives the relationship he has professionally and personally much more scope and range. This is just a great, intelligent and very interesting series and I am very happy that I bought it. It has never screened here and I just hope it is made available for it to be so in the future. Hurry up with series 3&4 please as I need to see more of this series as the lack of integrity in alot of what is screened on tv these days is chokingly bad!!
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By "658spark"
Format: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.
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Messiah Series 1 & 2
Ken Stott is a very believable Red Metcalfe. He has the look and demeanour of Red Metcalfe, and brings the character to life.
Published 1 month ago by Mr. M. S. Bentley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
Same appreciation as above for series 5. Loved the suspence and the whole stroreyline
Delivery was as expected.
Are there any further episodes past Series 5?
Delivery was as expected.
Are there any further episodes past Series 5?
Published 1 month ago by Dianne E. Hooper
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compelling
These days programmes are like CVs, if it does not grab you quick enough, you move on to the next. I found the first Messiah story to be one of the most compelling dramas I have... Read more
Published 1 month ago by R. Le Quin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shame they only did four!
Anyone who missed this when it was shown on tv must buy this.I've seen many tv dramas over the years but this ranks as the best. Read more
Published 2 months ago by robbo
5.0 out of 5 stars
great
its exactly what I expected from a great series
unmistakeable brilliance , well worth a watch ......
its a must ..
unmistakeable brilliance , well worth a watch ......
its a must ..
Published 2 months ago by dodger
5.0 out of 5 stars
I loved the TV series and now I can watch it whenever I want.
I bought the entire series just so I could watch it whenever I want. It's a really good production, and I can watch it time and again and still enjoy it.
Published 3 months ago by Gareth Davies
5.0 out of 5 stars
She enjoyed them
Got this for my girlfriend. She liked it, not really my cup of tea but like I say she enjoyed them. Cool. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Daniel Barraclough
5.0 out of 5 stars
The anointed death dealer.
London, summertime, and a serial murderer is at large, killing his victims in brutal ways and leaving a silver spoon in the mouths as his calling card. What links the victims? Read more
Published 9 months ago by Spike Owen
2.0 out of 5 stars
Messy murders and muddled TV show
I love Ken Stott and I like TV crime but found this show disappointing. My disappointment is reflected in my low rating. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Ewan
2.0 out of 5 stars
Anti-climactic endings
I was going to give this one star, then felt it was a bit mean - but I did want to balance out all the rave reviews here. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Gillian Smith
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