Timothy Spall gives one of the best but least seen performances of the year in Pierrepoint - The Last Hangman, an uneven but mostly fascinating docudrama about England's most infamous executioner. The film is at its best when exploring the rich psychological makeup of its morally ambiguous protagonist. Unlike others in his field who feed off the tales of the dastardly deeds done by those being put to death, Pierrepoint wants to know nothing about them or their lives. He doesn't rationalize his actions with "greater good" platitudes. He performs a cut and dry service with great respect and efficiency. In its duller moments Pierrepoint dips into soggy historical melodrama, but watching Spall's subtle, entrancing work in expressing Pierrepoint's many complexities makes it all worthwhile.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
DVD of the Week: Pierrepoint
Timothy Spall gives one of the best but least seen performances of the year in Pierrepoint - The Last Hangman, an uneven but mostly fascinating docudrama about England's most infamous executioner. The film is at its best when exploring the rich psychological makeup of its morally ambiguous protagonist. Unlike others in his field who feed off the tales of the dastardly deeds done by those being put to death, Pierrepoint wants to know nothing about them or their lives. He doesn't rationalize his actions with "greater good" platitudes. He performs a cut and dry service with great respect and efficiency. In its duller moments Pierrepoint dips into soggy historical melodrama, but watching Spall's subtle, entrancing work in expressing Pierrepoint's many complexities makes it all worthwhile.
