In an unnamed Eastern European country, a Cardinal (Guinness), extremely popular with the people is arrested by the state for treason as they need a confession that helps reduce the power of the church. Expert interrogator Hawkins who has never failed before works on him and so the battle of 2 sharp minds begins.
Kafkaesque melodrama which allows for the chance to see 2 great actor spar off each other. Hawkins wins on the acting front, although this is because his role is more nuanced compared to the emotional turmoil which Guinness needs to put across and does so well but with perhaps a touch of scenery chewing. A thoughtful picture none the less and one well worth catching for the 2 performances and that of Wilfred Lawson who is Guinness' jailer and who keeps the whole thing grounded.
Kafkaesque melodrama which allows for the chance to see 2 great actor spar off each other. Hawkins wins on the acting front, although this is because his role is more nuanced compared to the emotional turmoil which Guinness needs to put across and does so well but with perhaps a touch of scenery chewing. A thoughtful picture none the less and one well worth catching for the 2 performances and that of Wilfred Lawson who is Guinness' jailer and who keeps the whole thing grounded.