Review: The Offence


Dour, mature-minded police film concerning copper Sean Connery’s mental disintegration whilst investigating a child molestation case, causing him to beat the dishevelled prime suspect Ian Bannen to death during interrogation. Why would Connery do that? Well, Bannen seems to see something in Connery when he locks eyes with him early on, so perhaps there’s something to that. Is he seeing an unacknowledged fellow molester? Perhaps. Is Connery just mentally scarred by his job and the horrible crimes he investigates? Perhaps. Is the crafty Bannen merely seeing a volatile man he can manipulate? And is Bannen a child molester or not? You’ll have to see the film for yourself, and even then you won’t get a nice neat little answer. Vivien Merchant is Connery’s well-meaning but nagging wife (she wants him to talk to her, open up, something she might actually regret if she knew better), and Trevor Howard has an extended cameo as the chief inspector interrogating Connery.


In perhaps his finest-ever performance, a pent-up Sean Connery attempts to remove any of the stain of 007 from him and in the minds of the public with his gut-wrenching performance in this unfortunately seldom-seen 1973 re-teaming with director Sidney Lumet (The “12 Angry Men” and “Serpico” director who had previously gotten a terrific performance out of Connery in the excellent “The Hill”, both made in England). Connery gives a forceful yet anguished turn that will likely shock many use to his 007 persona or his more recent, somewhat grandfatherly turns. It’s such a shame that the public at the time only wanted him to be Bond and shunned this, “The Hill” and the terrific “Robin and Marian” among others. The man was a great actor when given the opportunity and the right role. Top-notch work by Bannen (in a tough role I must say) too in this twisty, if stagy film that had me hooked from beginning to end, aside from one or two annoying directorial tricks (flashy edits and an annoying spotlight technique).


Not for everyone, but a rewarding experience for those who can handle the shocking subject matter and somewhat stagy nature. Scripted by British playwright John Hopkins (“Murder By Decree”, the middling Bond film “Thunderball”, starring Connery as 007), it’s definitely a powerful, impactful film, whether you end up liking it or not, you’ll certainly remember it.


Rating: B

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