Appropriate Adult

A Searingly Powerful Film
APPROPRIATE ADULT may not be available on USA Format DVD as yet, but for those interested in seeing this remarkable achievement in filmmaking, it is viewable now on Sundance Channel. Watch for it. APPROPRIATE ADULT is one of the few films that relates the true story of a serial killer without resorting to forcing the audience to watch reenactments of the murders. Instead the writer, director and actors bring this savage bit of history to the screen solely through a serious of interview conducted with the killer in the presence of the British police and an 'Appropriate Adult' - one who has been trained to help the accused by detecting if the accused has learning difficulties or other encumbrances that might make the interviews invalid.

First a bit of fact: 'Frederick Walter Stephen West (29 September 1941 - 1 January 1995), was a British serial killer. Between 1967 and 1987, he alone, and later, he and his wife Rosemary, tortured, raped and murdered at least 11 young...

Hauntingly mesmerizing
I watched this film 3 times in a row-and knew I had to add it to my film collection. Unfortunately it is not yet available on USA format. Emily Watson portrays Janet Leach as the Appropriate Adult-an amazing performance. This true story is unbelievable; that this is something that really happened. From beginning to end-it will hold your attention; leave you gasping- and ALMOST feel a twinge of pity for the bad guy.

"Thing Is, You Can't Unknow Something"
4.5 stars

Closely based on a true story, "Appropriate Adult" is more about the subject of its title--Janet Leach, a trained social worker superbly played here by Emily Watson, who, in British police investigations, acts as a sort of neutral witness to the interrogations and prosecution--than it is about the murders or the perpetrator himself. There is no gore or violence to speak of, nor are there any reenactments of the crimes. The acting is plain and unvarnished, which makes it all-the-more effective. Even if it's not really his story, there is excellent character development of serial killer Fred West, and the level of empathy Leach reaches with him--and we, in turn, reach with her--is the most chilling thing about this film. Although a quiet story which moves much closer to the speed-of-life than most in its genre, "Appropriate Adult" still has its share of twists and surprises as well as some brief but engrossing courtroom drama at the end.

Those used to...

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