David Drury’s taut political thriller still grips, echoing with the influence of classics of the genre like Francesco Rosi’s Illustrious Corpses and Alan J Pakula’s All The President’s Men.
Ambitious reporter Nick Mullen's (Gabriel Byrne) life becomes at risk as his investigation into MP Dennis Markham’s (Ian Bannen) apparent indiscretions uncovers a larger conspiracy involving military secrets and nuclear weapons, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The atmosphere, from bleak fens to despondent London, is laden with menace helped by striking cinematography by Roger Deakins (whose work on this film would catch the attention of the Coen Brothers).
David Drury coaxed a star-making performance from newcomer Gabriel Byrne (who also got noticed by the Coen Brothers), the centrepiece of a truly excellent cast of newcomers like Greta Scacchi and veterans like Denholm Elliott and Fulton Mackay. With a sharp script by writer Martin Stellman (Quadrophenia, Babylon), Defence of the Realm is one of relatively few 1980s films to engage with contemporary political realities in Britain; targeting Whitehall secrecy, MI5 and the reactionary tabloid press.
With thanks to Park Circus and ITV.
With an introduction by producer Lynda Myles and a pre-recorded conversation with Gabriel Byrne hosted by season curator and Cinema Rediscovered founder Mark Cosgrove.
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