Review of The Offence (1973) by Timothy M — 31 Jan 2011
An unsettling drama, and a considerable one. I didn't even realise it was based on a play until it was all over, which is a testament to Lumet's ability to "open things up" as they say.
His wonderfully cinematic touches, like the snap-flashbacks from [i]The Pawnbroker[/i], or Connery's hands framing his face, then Trevor Howard's, are all part and parcel of why it works. Ian Bannen though, gives the best turn here, although the ambiguities that Connery brings to his character reveal hidden depths, in so far as his acting range is concerned.
I suppose the most important question is: Is Johnson actually the perpetrator or not?
This review of The Offence (1973) was written by Timothy M on 31 Jan 2011.
The Offence has generally received positive reviews.
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