I noticed a physical resemblance between the title character and the real-life Dennis Nilsen, and was wondering if anyone knew if there was any basis of the film upon Nilsen's criminal history. I know Nilsen's been trying to get his autobiography published, and that case is hung up in the EU courts.
I may be reading way too much into this, but I was curious all the same. TIA for any opinions.
Hello,
I interviewed the director at the Edinburgh IFF last June, the interview will go live on quietearth.us before the film is released in the UK this month. Gerard told me that the appearance of Tony was very much inspired by Nilsen, that he remembered the murders from when he was a kid and the news footage and photos had haunted him since. However, he also said that the character was not based so much on him (certain elements are), but rather several different people, and ideas from working with actor Peter Ferdinando.
It's a great film and Gerard was very cool.
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Right. Well, I have to - I have to go now, Duane, because I, I'm due back on the planet Earth.
Ah yeah I attended the showing at the Edinburgh IFF myself . I would have stayed for the Q&A session myself since I'm a big fan of The The but had the cast - who gave sycophantic guffaws at any darkly amusing onscreen scene - sitting behind me and guessed Gerard would be taking questions from them along the lines of " May I just say how much I enjoyed this film , an all time British masterpiece and when will it get a wide srceen release that it so richly deserves etc etc ? "
Sorry for upsetting anyone but I've no time for thespians
Johnson said 'loosely based'on Nielsen's life.
shareso you interviewed a director!!! Then what are doing on IMDB? you seem to want attention.
shareI was just trying to help. The film received only a small amount of press so I was thinking my reply might be useful for anyone looking for info on the character and his orgins... two years ago I might add.
I contribute to a movie blog and sometimes I speak to industry folk too as a kind of hobby. I'm not looking for kudos or attention. If you look at my post history you'll see that.
Reading some of your own posts on this board I can only assume that you're a bit of a twat.
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He left a note. He left a simple little note that said "I've gone out the window."
Sorry bro I was only joking. I wish I could do what you do as a writer,reporter,journo, etc. best wishes.
shareI just this minute finished watching it for the first time. It made me think of Dennis Nilsen, drains and all. Brilliant and terrifyingly realistic.
share