Monstre sacré

National Treasure goes deep into the routes of sexual abuse and rape. Everything from the fighting to a simple tear that was shed had detail. Senses were focused on, the anxiety, the suspense, the craziness can all be felt in this show. The acting was well staged, it felt real and you could feel the pain of each actor. It's also before it's time. This was before the #MeToo movement but it gave insight to what life is like when elite men are accused of sexual misbehavior.

I had heard lots of positive reviews of this drama, and of course the timeliness of the narrative is obvious to all. A celebrity who had been at his peak in the 1970's is accused of sexual assault by multiple victims, leading to press and prosecution. The plot seems fairly straightforward in terms of what it does, and for sure the "ripped from the tabloids" content made me think it would be soapy, dramatic, and perhaps be hammed up for the sake of being cathartic. Instead the drama tends to avoid this totally and goes for a tone/content which I liked, even if I think it didn't totally work all the time.

This tone is one of creepy observation of the whole thing. In some ways it works because it seems to avoid cliché and expectation, leaving the viewer to go with it in a way perhaps they would not have done had it been so obviously one way or the other. It had its limits for me, simply because it was so very reminiscent of the Channel 4 show Utopia. This is for good reason since they share director, DOP, and composer at least; but the use of this package worked so well in the sci-fi that it made me feel it unsuited here. Perhaps to those coming to it for the first time there would be no such reservation due to the lack of association. It does work though, and the atmosphere it produces allows the performances to (ironically) feel more natural within a stylized presentation. Coltrane is great, but Walters is by far the standout in her gradual doubt on her way to clarity. Riseborough is also very strong. The younger versions of the cast are also very good, matching the "main" performances very well.

Overall it is an effective drama which is well balanced, allowing the viewer room to think. I wasn't totally sold on the style, but for sure it works.

Doing a re-watch of visionary Marc Munden's filmography & "National Treasure" is still one of the most technically impressive shows Channel 4's ever made in its entire history; genuinely insane how high the production values look for a series which would've been nowhere near as expensive as it appears on screen. Boasts truly exceptional filmmaking & acts as an astonishing achievement for all the cast & crew involved.

Writer & creator Jack Thorne turns out some of his strongest scripts & the direction (coupled with Ole Bratt Birkeland's stunning cinematography) elevates them even further. Each & every episode's edited to perfection, scored beautifully by Cristobal Tapia De Veer & the performances are outstanding - especially from Julie Walters, who truly shines here. Aged like fine wine.

Seriously, does anyone do topical stuff better than Marc Munden? Can't think of one single superior alternative. Time after time, he tackles potentially controversial subject matter in such an audacious & unflinching way, without being exploitative / triggering. Strikes a phenomenal balance & remains respectful whilst doing justice to the horror of the subject matter featured. Remarkable.

Watching Andrea Riseborough's character in this film is the real treasure. Fantastic job from years gone past. It's hard to tell who(m) this story is based on but it doesn't matter. The seediness, manipulation and deceit is true enough. This is a very dark film that is not for everyone. The method of slowly unraveling or diving into the depths of sick and/or greedy or self-absorbed humans is disturbing and will stay with you. I felt there were a few holes. Some stuff purposely left to your imagination, but some unresolved. It was well made, and again, worth watching Riseborough's performance as a younger actor.

Magnetic performances in a story about a charismatic performer with a complicated family life (to put it mildly). The two lead actors were mesmerizing in their interaction a a long-married couple with secrets and lies aplenty.

The script is smart and compelling -- addressing issues of man/woman relationships in serious situations involving control and secrecy. It's heart-wrenching at times and infuriating in others. Still, a magnificent collaboration between screenwriter, director, and actors. Highly recommend this for the discerning viewer.