INQUISITION is Jack Emery's most recent film, which he wrote and produced for Channel 5 whose first historical drama it was. The director is Betsan Moris Evans; the DOP is Gavin Finney BSC.
INQUISITION is set in the 17th Century Spain, when The Inquisition was at the height of its terrifying power. It is the night before an auto de fe (Act of Faith) which will climax with the burning of those condemned as heretics.
But the plan of The Grand Inquisitor (Derek Jacobi) is threatened by a man who is working miracles. The man (Stephen Billington) is brought before The Grand Inquisitor and his assistant Martin (Alun Armstrong). Their inquisition of the man - in the torture chamber beneath The Grand Inquisitor's palace - last all night. As dawn breaks The Grand Inquisitor makes the life and death decision - who will be publicly burnt.
Jack Emery's screenplay is based on a story from Dostoevsky. It is set in Madrid in 1680 when the Catholic Establishment through The Inquisition - all in the name of Jesus, inflicted appalling suffering. But Inquisition, apart from being a thriller, is also a response to September 11th 2001 and the reaction, which has followed worldwide.
Inquisition raises uncomfortable questions: how and why does an individual believer justify condemning and killing another human being in the name of any political or religious belief? And is revenge the only possible response to violence?
INQUISITION is set in the 17th Century Spain, when The Inquisition was at the height of its terrifying power. It is the night before an auto de fe (Act of Faith) which will climax with the burning of those condemned as heretics.
But the plan of The Grand Inquisitor (Derek Jacobi) is threatened by a man who is working miracles. The man (Stephen Billington) is brought before The Grand Inquisitor and his assistant Martin (Alun Armstrong). Their inquisition of the man - in the torture chamber beneath The Grand Inquisitor's palace - last all night. As dawn breaks The Grand Inquisitor makes the life and death decision - who will be publicly burnt.
Jack Emery's screenplay is based on a story from Dostoevsky. It is set in Madrid in 1680 when the Catholic Establishment through The Inquisition - all in the name of Jesus, inflicted appalling suffering. But Inquisition, apart from being a thriller, is also a response to September 11th 2001 and the reaction, which has followed worldwide.
Inquisition raises uncomfortable questions: how and why does an individual believer justify condemning and killing another human being in the name of any political or religious belief? And is revenge the only possible response to violence?
Reviews
BRITISH PRESS REVIEWS
"This is a dark, dense and disturbing story ... Derek Jacobi is mesmerizing as the corrupt and evil grand inquisitor ... this is a chance to see two of our finest actors working together."
Radio Times
"This gem of a TV play ... challenging script and fine acting."
TV Times
"A riveting provocative play with a powerful religious message...spellbinding, original drama ... Just quality drama...Every little detail, from the musical score to the embroidered golden slippers worn by the Grand Inquisitor, contributes to the drama's impact."
Daily Express
"Inquisition is without doubt the most powerful drama ever seen on 5 ... its performances from Jacobi and Armstro ng are striking."
Sunday Express
"Sophisticated argument turned into riveting drama with a startling affecting ending."
Evening Standard
"Jacobi and Alun Armstrong...are both superb."
Daily Mail
"Gripping...Mesmerizing performance of Sir Derek Jacobi."
The Times Television and Radio
"This is as rich visually as it is intellectually."
Time Out
Radio Times
"This gem of a TV play ... challenging script and fine acting."
TV Times
"A riveting provocative play with a powerful religious message...spellbinding, original drama ... Just quality drama...Every little detail, from the musical score to the embroidered golden slippers worn by the Grand Inquisitor, contributes to the drama's impact."
Daily Express
"Inquisition is without doubt the most powerful drama ever seen on 5 ... its performances from Jacobi and Armstro ng are striking."
Sunday Express
"Sophisticated argument turned into riveting drama with a startling affecting ending."
Evening Standard
"Jacobi and Alun Armstrong...are both superb."
Daily Mail
"Gripping...Mesmerizing performance of Sir Derek Jacobi."
The Times Television and Radio
"This is as rich visually as it is intellectually."
Time Out