|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
Product details
|
Product Description
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
From the Back Cover
London is in the grip of a heatwave: airless days, strange steamy nights and a killer stalking the streets. Wealthy men are being murdered to some mysterious pattern, with no clues left behind, only corpses with silver spoons in place of their tongues.
Set against this merciless butcher is Detective Superintendent Red Metcalfe, an investigator with a celebrated ability to get under the skin and into the minds of the deranged killers he hunts. But as the city swelters and the body count rises, Red's own tortured past begins to turn against him - and the city is safe for noone. Sometimes, it is said, it takes a killer to catch a killer....
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organise and find favourite items. |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
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.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
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
Format: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!!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
messiah the first killings
excellent service would be more than happy to order from this seller in the future
Published on 20 Nov 2009 by H. Goodwin
Messiah: The First Killings/The Reckoning
BBC's answer to Prime Suspect (it took some time coming!) does not disappoint. Ken Stott's abrasive Red Metcalfe is superbly supported by a gritty and plausible cast (although... Read more
Published on 5 May 2004 by M. J. Littlewood
bloody scary but fantastic!
this film is summed up in one word fantastic! the plot is so clever it keeps you guessing right til the very end of it! Read more
Published on 3 May 2004 by Tara baughan
Strong stuff, British TV's answer to "Se7en"
MESSIAH
(UK/USA - 2001)
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Soundtrack: Stereo
A dedicated cop (Ken Stott, TV's "The Vice") is forced to confront the sins of... Read more
(UK/USA - 2001)
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Soundtrack: Stereo
A dedicated cop (Ken Stott, TV's "The Vice") is forced to confront the sins of... Read more
Published on 12 Jun 2002 by Libretio
Scaring and well thought out drama
An excellent drama which has been well written and the actors really keep the story on its toes throughout the series. Terrific!
Published on 17 Dec 2001 by nickystorr@yahoo.co.uk
No superlative could describe this astonishing drama!!
What a great show! Ken Stott and the rest of the superb cast bring this astonishingly gripping drama to life. Special mention goes out to that sexy starlet Frances Grey! Read more
Published on 18 Jun 2001
Made for TV, graphic...
too graphic for some tastes. But it is an enjoyable, if over long yarn about a cop with a past that is catching up with him and a series of macabre murders eventually linked to a... Read more
Published on 16 Jun 2001
A fantastic stomach-churning, heart-thumping thriller.
The best part of this made-for-telly drama is not the brilliant storyline nor the clever twist but an amazing performance by Jamie Draven (Billy Elliot's big bro Tony), an actor to... Read more
Published on 13 Jun 2001
Superb!
Messiah is what all good thrillers should be, scary, exciting and nerve jangling. Superb performances from Stott and Dudgeon are complimented by a astonishing, career making turn... Read more
Published on 11 Jun 2001 by "isaburd"
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
