Review of Page Eight (2011) by Maksim B — 27 Apr 2013

Stylish and intelligent, Page Eight is an old school spy thriller, which offers a conservative and classic entertainment for the fans of this genre. With solid acting, slow pacing and spiced up with typical "Britishness", this movie is a pleasant surprise directed by the screenwriter of other British classics such as The Reader and The Hours.

Despite being really old school and having the conservative vibe and atmosphere typical for its director David Hare (many similarities could be found between this movie and Hare's screenwriting classics: The Hours and The Reader),Page Eight delivers quite a contemporary story. The evolution of MI5 and the description of a world in which politics and politicians take over the typical intelligence agencies, is a topic which could intrigue even non-fans of the spy genre. Bill Nighy is the cold blooded, veteran agent Johnny Worricker who faces a political and moral dilemma after the unexpected death of his best friend and boss of MI5 (Michael Gambon). Involved in a high-stake political game, Worricker has to find out the whole truth and take a personal decision how to deal with it. It becomes even more complicated when feelings are involved as his acquaintance with the political activist and neighbor Nancy Pierpan (Rachel Weisz) turns into something more.

Unlike so many Hollywood spy-thrillers, Page Eight remains a down-to-earth delivery in which there is not even a single action scene or special effects. All is focused on performances, dialogues and the smart script which slowly builds up the tension until the moment when Nighy makes his final move. Acting is superb, as Bill Nighy and his cold blooded charisma fit perfectly his character. Emotion-less, practical and very, very old school agent Johnny Worricker wins sympathies and respect for following his principles and believes. Add the supporting performances of Rachel Weisz, Ralph Fiennes and the freaky Ewen Bremner and the cast of David Hare seems perfectly complete.

Page Eight is definitely a movie for grown-up fans of the spy genre. With nothing Hollywood-like to offer it succeeds to deliver a captivating story and sufficient thrills in a manner which gives the brain enough material to think of. A highly recommended delivery !