Review of Page Eight (2011) by Phillip D — 12 Nov 2011

David Hare wrote and Directed "Page Eight" which is about an M15 intelligence analyst with ice water in his veins Johnny Worriker played by Bill Nighy. His boss played by Michael Gambon distributes a piece of intelligence shortly before he dies and on page eight is a direct implication that the British Government is privy to some heavy information. Rounding out the cast are Felicity Jones as Worriker's daughter, Ralph Fiennnes as the British Prime Minister and Rachel Weisz as the sister of a murdered activist who stood in front of an Israeli tank destroying a suicide bomber's home. (Actually if anyone is stupid enough to risk life and limb to save a house of this nature from demolition, then I mean who cares?) But, her brother was shot by the Isrealis and this was covered up...

The USA churns out 24, Bourne trilogy and endless spy dramas so this British art film has little of a chance to make an impression, yet it does.

Bill Nighy and the entire cast exchange witty and subtle dialogue that is at once delicious and also terrifying in its implications. Also, it gives us a lovely dramatic example of British humor and banter. Bill Nighy and Michael Gambon are masters of this by the way.

I would advise you to drink a nice hot coffee before seeing this one. It will rivet you and entertain you. But you must stay awake and pay attention to Bill Nighy having his heart torn away and his career end. Then, finally, he simply tries to do a couple of good deeds before he slips into M15 oblivion and "retirement." Not for 24 fans.

This is an adult film. Maybe some of the themes are dated or overused as of late. It is very subtle, clever and intelligent. So treat it as such.