Tedfoldol
everything you have heard about this movie is true.
Casey Duggan
It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny
Cissy Évelyne
It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.
Woodyanders
Struggling novelist Ellen Carter (a fine portrayal by Harriet Robinson) suspects that her mysterious new tenant Leslie Steckler (an excellent and serenely creepy performance by Peter Firth) is a serial killer who has murdered over a dozen women. Director Chris Jones, who also co-wrote the absorbing script with Genevieve Jollifee, relates the engrossing story at a steady pace, firmly grounds the premise in a totally plausible everyday reality, makes the most out of the claustrophobic flat setting, and spruces things up with several snazzy stylistic flourishes (the frequent use of black and white is especially neat). The top-rate acting by Firth and Robinson holds the picture together; the tense battle of wit and wills between their characters is gripping throughout and culminates in a deliciously ironic surprise ending that packs one hell of a strong punch. Firth makes for a genuinely chilling psycho whose deceptively calm, quiet, and pleasant demeanor masks his scary capacity for extreme brutal violence. Moreover, there are sturdy supporting contributions by Don Henderson as the pesky Inspector Taylor, Catherine Arton as the sweet and chipper Mik, and Caroline Staunton as Steckler's shrill emasculating wife. Jon Walker's slick cinematography gives the movie an impressive glossy look. The rattling score by Harry Gregson-Williams hits the shivery spot. A real sleeper.
Scotness
I saw this film years ago - so am a bit rusty - but since I'm reading their book at the moment I feel compelled to write: The thing that I remember most about it is this: The main characters are two despicable types so you don't care for them - I found my self not caring what happened because there was nothing about the characters to like or admire or empathise with. This totally undid any weight or consequence or plot the film had for me.Looking at their book they knocked up a first draft in a month or so and were shooting I think two months after that. They should have got feedback/reviews and done subsequent drafts and sorted that problem out first IMHO before shooting. It's was no surprise then to me that Mirimax and others wouldn't distribute it, and the offers they got were so small.I guess I'm not saying a film like this is wrong - just that it has extremely low appeal. That said though - I admire their independent spirit and go get it attitude - and wish them well!
simon44
Sure, the tiny amount of money this film was made for is impressive, but personally once I start watching a film, I forget such considerations and can only judge a film on its merits. And in that respect White Angel works very well. It's claustrophobic, tense, engaging, with a strong sense of realism; and Peter Firth's performance is superb.
robinmmorgan
A claustrophobic thriller set in suburbia, the film is centred on the shifting relationship between a serial killing cross dressing dentist and a writer. The killer correctly guesses the author murdered her abusing husband (who's been missing for three years) and rents a room in her house. Once installed he blackmails her into writing his biography.I found the plot engaging, with weaving plot strands involving the police, a retired gangland thug, an ex lodger, and a very slow fingerprint computer search making a surprisingly good story. And I didn't see the twist at the end coming.I knew the film cost roughly as much as family saloon to shoot, so expected something much more basic than 'Urban Ghost Story' - the production team's latest film. Although I felt the lack of budget showed in the limited locations and set dressing, this contributed to the tense atmosphere and quirky British feel (a bit like the 'Young poisoner's handbook' but less glitzy). Overall it's a quietly confident production which entertained me throughout. I enjoyed it more than Urban Ghost story (which for me failed to deliver a satisfying conclusion) and would recommend it.
I believe there are several versions of this film out there - the version I saw is shortly to be released in America under the title 'Interview with a serial killer'.
