This fascinating conspiracy thriller hinges on two seemingly unrelated occurrences: two teenagers' attempted escape from a reformatory and a political scandal involving Dennis Markham (Ian Bannen), a distinguished member of Parliament. When the papers proclaim that Markham was observed
leaving the home of a courtesan who was also cozy with an East German official, his loyalty to his country is questioned and his career ruined. Hack reporter Nick Mullen (Gabriel Byrne) is assigned to the story. When a colleague who is also interested in the story mysteriously dies, Mullen digs
deeper and finds evidence of a shocking covert operation. With the help of his late colleague's secretary, Nina Beckman (Greta Scacchi), he battles to bring the truth to light.
An extremely well made film, DEFENCE OF THE REALM features a strong central performance by Byrne (GOTHIC, SIESTA, MILLER'S CROSSING), a typically marvelous turn by Elliott as his besotted elder journalist friend, and the beautiful Scacchi (THE COCA-COLA KID, PRESUMED INNOCENT). The direction and
editing are fast and tight, and the script by Martin Stellman (who also cowrote the superb QUADROPHENIA) has intelligent and tight plotting rare in this kind of film. leave a comment
