State Of Play (BBC)

Film Details

Cast

John Simm, David Morrissey

Technical Details

Star Review

Paul Abbot, previously known for contributions to major drama series and his own, character-based Clocking Off, seems to have reached 40 and decided that he needed to do more and better. With State of Play in 2003 and Shameless in 2004, he has achieved this.

Originally broadcast on BBC4, providing them with their biggest success to date, State of Play is a taut, action-packed, conspiracy thriller in which David Morrisey is an MP with a problem. His researcher has been found dead and, if the full story were known, he and the government would have an awful lot of explaining to do. His old friend John Simm, an ace reporter gone to seed, is investigating the death.

Kelly MacDonald is enchanting as the cub reporter, Bill Nighy scary as the hard-bitten editor, James MacEvoy convincing as the unmanageable freelancer and Polly Walker entirely seductive as the politician’s wife. All are harnessed into the needs of the story and by the end we are happy to have met the people, appalled at the powers that be and satisfied with the outcome.

MovieMail on 1st April 2005

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Film Description

A tight conspiracy thriller set against the background of Whitehall and Fleet Street. One of the best BBC series of recent times.

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