Comments on: Pierrepoint – the last hangman

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:18:49 +0000

After watching the film we had a lively debate about the death penalty.

I am against it for two reasons:

1) Most Important – we get verdicts wrong too often

2) Would it not be better to make a brutal killer totally miserable for the rest of his natural life, (no TV, no soft prison life PLEASE)

jb says: So collective revenge is more important than rehabilitation or education, Brian?

By: Reel Suave

Reel Suave — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:35:45 +0000

Pierrepoint…

So we are over with that now for the missed chance by the Oscars for one of the most miraculous performance probably in this decade by Timothy Spall.
……

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:09:18 +0000

I was very lucky to see this marvellous film in a very small privately owned theatre. Lucky being from the perspective of a typical english movie, where the quality is the simplicity and subtle writing, the acting (no over acting), no need for hours of loud special effects and scripts spelling out the obvious. I have a passion for movies that rely on quality writing, quality acting, and a director who knows the value in holding and nurture a moment. Pierrepoint was filmed within a limited setting, and theres not much one can do with the inside of a prison/pub but it was such a thought provoking film that the audience reads their own script so to speak, from it. I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions while watching the movie, and could have talked about it for hours afterward. While these movies are not block busters, a few of my favourites are: Waking Ned Devine, Death at a Funeral, Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont, History Boys, and from across your channel, Conversations with My Gardener, to mention but a few. While it was a grave (pardon the pun) subject, I recommend Pierrepoint unreservedly.

jb says: Hi Nicole. I’m partial to a bit of understatement myself. So refreshing in the loud spaces we seem to inhabit these days.

By: John Baker: Poet in the Gutter - World Class Ebooks

John Baker: Poet in the Gutter - World Class Ebooks — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:08:13 +0000

[...] too has a professional appearance and lots of worthwhile content. You might compare, for instance, John Baker’s thoughts on the public executioner, Albert Pierrepoint, with my [...]

By: Sisyphus

Sisyphus — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 21:54:22 +0000

Films of this nature do nothing to alter the debate.
Proponents of capital punishment will will find justification here; opponents will be revulsed.

Sorry, but there IS a pornography in the ritual killing of a human being, no matter how horrific the crime committed by the condemned person.

jb says: Don't be sorry, Sisyphus, your last sentence makes perfect sense to me. Oh, but you're dead wrong about the film not altering the debate. Everything alters the debate. That's why we debate things, to make a difference.

By: Gulp Friction » Pierrepoint - the last hangman

Gulp Friction » Pierrepoint - the last hangman — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 23:46:00 +0000

[...] I find it hard to contemplate capital punishment without feeling sick. This film, reviewed here by John Baker, I hope, will be cause for some re-thinking in those who support the death penalty. [...]

By: BiblioBillaBong » Pierrepoint - the last hangman

BiblioBillaBong » Pierrepoint - the last hangman — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 23:47:11 +0000

By: crimeficreader

crimeficreader — Sat, 06 May 2006 23:49:58 +0000

Thanks for this view, John. I’d read The Sunday Times review which said the film was pornographic in content, e.g. a scene of the cleaning of the dead body as performed by the executioner. You’ve provided a different context, and one that I can understand and relate to. When I read the ST review, I was shocked because I had no idea that the executioners also performed this particular task.

Based on the ST’s review, I’d have avoided this film at all costs. Now, following your comments, I think I may find a movie that enlightens and educates me. It’s not pornography, it’s fact and history. What I make of it is yet to be told, but I will come back with comments.

Thanks for sharing your views.

Best,
crimeficreader