I had some vague idea that such a thing as a State executioner existed in some Countries, but I seriously doubt I ever considered them to be regular people, that led ordinary lives, if ever I even thought about such things. This movie explores the life of England's State executioner, Albert Pierpoint, between 1933 and 1955 - he hanged 608 people for the State in those years. I am very amazed that such a strange subject could translate into an interesting movie. This movie, while strange and rather morbid, is so strange and well acted that it compels your attention till the end .It is not an exciting movie, but the acting is so superb you feel you are actually seeing the real Pierpoint. Timothy Spall, who plays Albert Pierpoint, was so convincing it appeared he was not acting at all. I find it odd he did not receive an academy award for his fine performance. Mr. Pierpoint became so good at his craft that England sent him over to Germany at the end of WWII to execute Nazi war criminals. In some way the execution of war criminals adds a bit of justification to the character of Pierpoint - it's a dirty job but the Allies must have someone willing to do it. Upon his return to England after the execution of war criminals his anonyimity is blown and he is greeted as a bit of a celebrity. That changes, as England's views on Capital punishment changes. There is an interesting twist in the story that ultimately leads to Pierpoint having a change of heart about the job he has done for the State. I will leave that for the viewer to uncover when they see the film. I recommend this odd and morbid movie.
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