This 2009 three-part British television production looks at the unsolved murder of a prostitute from different perspectives: the victim's teenage daughter, Carrie (Bel Powley); police detective Douglas Hain (Robbie Coltrane), who brought a considerable conflict of interest to the case; and the adult Carrie (Amanda Hale)—now known as Carol—who launches her own investigation into what transpired. Murderland doesn't break any new ground with its Rashomon-style presentation of conflicting memories; however, Coltrane generates considerable star power as the tormented investigator whose life and career were destroyed in the wake of the slaying, and fans of the actor's classic Cracker series will be in for a pleasant surprise due to the complexity of this very different character (one British critic cheekily referred to Coltrane's role as the “not-Cracker”). Murderland unfortunately grows sluggish whenever Coltrane is offscreen, but devotees may overlook this shortcoming. A strong optional purchase. (P. Hall)
Murderland
BFS, 2 discs, 138 min., not rated, DVD: $29.98 March 14, 2011
Murderland
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