Made

Everything about this is 'pretty good' but director John Mackenzie was still finding his way and probably not the man to raise this to the level it might have reached. Based on Howard Barker's own play this is clearly a serious piece and that the fate of a baby overshadows the anti religious aspect is unfortunate. Ironically, although the fate of the babe, for me, gets in the way of the main thrust of the film, it is the most realistic portrayal I have ever seen. The film also takes a while to get going and this coincides with the arrival of Roy Harper. No great actor but his likeable and laid back performance knocks spots off some of the others. I enjoyed the film with its glimpses of Greenwich, Woolwich and Brighton (including the lost pier) but just feel it could have been so much better.