Longford (DVD)

When we review serial killer movies here at HDC, they're usually aimed squarely at our demographic (18-34, male, bloodthirsty). In contrast, Longford is a sedate made-for-television movie completely without buxom bimbos, masked villains, or even livers served with fava beans and a nice Chianti — but it's a chilling and memorable entry in the genre nonetheless.

Based on the true story of the headline-grabbing Moors Murders — a series of brutal child killings that shocked the U.K. in the mid-60s and led to the capture of a sadistic duo (Ian Brady played by Andy Serkis, and Myra Hindley played by Samantha Morton) — Longford focuses more on the psychology and fallout than it does on the actual crimes.

The title character is modeled after Catholic crusader Frank Aungier Pakenham (Jim Broadbent), 7th Earl of Longford and upstanding member of The House of Lords, who took Hindley under his wing and suffered the consequences.

The murderess was universally reviled, but Longford — who often visited convicts and tried to help them turn their lives around through prayer and forgiveness — saw something special in her. Were his intentions pure? …Were hers? Did Myra really want to repent for her part in the cruel killings, or was she just looking for a way out of prison?

These and many other questions are explored in this fascinating, vividly-acted character study. No doubt the flick is static in some places (it was modestly-budgeted, originally aired on British TV, and sometimes feels like it could have been based on a play), but overall it's a truly enthralling portrait of human beings and how they deal with the crime of murder on an emotional and intellectual level.

Broadbent is brilliant as always (he absolutely deserves every ounce of that Oscar he won), and while I've always liked Andy Serkis (an actor who's best known for his CG characters Gollum and King Kong), his calculated, chilling performance in Longford is truly a surprising and devilish delight. Serkis is wisely doled out in moderation, giving his portrayal of Ian that much more impact. Morton is excellent as the wild-card killer, effectively wearing her masks of shame, bravado, remorse, tenderness, and wit — to name just a few of Myra's many moods.

If you're interested in true crime and the real repercussions of its aftermath, then you can't go wrong with the Longford DVD. Included in is a solid and informative featurette on the real Moors Murders, plus a commentary.

On a related note, Helen Mirren fans who loved her most recent royals portrays will be glad to know that Longford's director is Tom Hooper (HBO's Elizabeth I), and the screenwriter is Peter Morgan (Miramax's The Queen).

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