Longford
This HBO Films drama tells the true story of the British Lord Frank Aungier Pakenham, 7th Earl of Longford, and his controversial, colorful, headline-making friendship with one of Britain's most notorious criminals, child murderess Myra Hindley. A devout Catholic, Longford often visited prisoners because of his passionate belief in forgiveness and society's need for prisoner rehabilitation. He meets with Hindley - a young woman serving a life sentence for child murders committed with her lover, Ian Brady - shortly after her imprisonment and the visits incite widespread public outrage. Their unlikely friendship ultimately undermined his career and, possibly, her 36-year attempt to win freedom.
Member Reviews
challenging - story1
Jim Broadbent once again shows what a fine actor he is playing the part of the MP and prisoner-rights crusader Longford. As well, Andy Serkis in his limited role as the imprisoned serial killer steals the show. To me he is one of the most interesting actors working in film. (I am waiting for Zip to get 'Sex and Drugs and Rock 'n Roll' - his biopic of Ian Dury).
To its credit the film leaves the moral issues and judgements up to the viewer. Although Longford can be incredibly frustrating in his naivety, at the same time he stays true to his belief, through his faith, that any person is deserving of the possibility of redemption.Sadism, Sex and Sainthood - Stitch
A very effective vehicle for Jim Broadbent as Lord Longford who gained his own measure of notoriety with his Herculean efforts to gain parole for one of UK’s most notorious child murderers Myra Hindley. Her situation is analogous to Karla Homolka’s, times two It’s a true story as far as it goes, my only quibble being that the screenplay paints him in a pretty one-dimensional light ie saintly. Now there’s no question he was a courageous warrior for the disadvantaged, and for other causes, but a touch more evidence of self-interest would have lent this depiction a little more credibility.
Having said that, Broadbent is in my opinion absolutely magnificent here. For fans of his out there, I submit this may be one of his finest performances; BAFTA agreed, with their 2007 TV award for Best Actor. Equally convincing is handling of his aging---considering the number of extreme closes-ups, the make-up guys deserve special mention.
Samantha Morton as Myra has a more subtle character to portray so has less opportunity to strut her stuff (except in one drugged scene). But to her credit (and a Best Actress nomination), she resists pushing the part; we properly remain in the dark concerning her sincerity and her motives. As usual, solid support from Lindsay Duncan and in particular Andy Serkis as the malevolent and alleged mastermind Ian Brady. Hand held filming and contrasting lighting (and hues) add authenticity, as in a TV news documentary.
Would I recommend it? Well, I was persuaded because of the similarity to our own Bernardo case and my interest in comparative justice or perceived lack of it The pace, though, is very deliberate and like all good docudramas, the meat is in the details. Bottom line: I admired the performances and persisted because the resolution was not known in advance. But it’s a bit of a sorry tale really so save it for an evening when you’re in a reflective mood. Not for fast laners.Longford - julianrjh
I didn't know much about the case when I watched this movie - I was mostly just curious about Samantha Morton's performance. She was, of course, terrific, but then again when isn't she? The movie itself was interesting - there is a lot of thematic material on hand, but I never felt overwhelmed by how much was being thrown my way. It developed very freely, and the structure of the film allowed its themes and questions to weave themselves naturally.
Member Reviews
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challenging - story1
Jim Broadbent once again shows what a fine actor he is playing the part of the MP and prisoner-rights crusader Longford. As well, Andy Serkis in his limited role as the imprisoned serial killer steals the show. To me he is one of the most interesting actors ...Sadism, Sex and Sainthood - Stitch
A very effective vehicle for Jim Broadbent as Lord Longford who gained his own measure of notoriety with his Herculean efforts to gain parole for one of UK’s most notorious child murderers Myra Hindley. Her situation is analogous to Karla Homolka’s, times ...Longford - julianrjh
I didn't know much about the case when I watched this movie - I was mostly just curious about Samantha Morton's performance. She was, of course, terrific, but then again when isn't she? The movie itself was interesting - there is a lot of thematic material ...