Review for An Inspector Calls

An Inspector Calls was written by J.B. Priestley in 1945 and there have been many adaptations of it to screen over the years. This version capitalised on the new vogue for turn of the 19/20th century drama that was sparked by the likes of Downton Abbey. Though not a feature film, you feel that it could have been one as the quality of every aspect of this production is amazing.

On a night of celebration at the Birling family house an Inspector Goole is investigating the suicide of a young lady who used to work at Mr Birling's factory. Told through flashbacks and interrogations, each member of the family seemingly have had a hand in the incident, but will any of them own up to the responsibility?

I had to study this play when I was younger and so this was a trip down memory lane. Though I'm not a huge fan of the period drama boom that has happened recently, I do feel that the murder-mystery feel of the play was one that I always enjoyed. The cinematic quality of the production from beginning to end is phenomenal. It is surprising that the BBC did not have the thought to actually release it into theatres, but with the influx of two week films it can be understandable if they didn't.

The acting by everyone is first rate with David Thewlis a perfect Inspector Goole. He has the right amount of authority and suspicion in his demeanour to make the Inspector a creepy, yet fascinating character. Ken Stott and Miranda Richardson are also perfectly cast as Mr and Mrs Birling bringing wonderful presence to their roles. I found everyone within the film fantastic in how they were able to portray their worry and suspicion about the girl and the situation and it made for easy viewing.

My only issue with this film is that it is very slow. It is the very nature that the Inspector takes his time to go through each member of the family to find out their involvement in the case. However, at times it felt like this went on too long. At ninety minutes, it didn't feel too long, but there were times when I felt like they should just get on with it and that too much was being dwelt on. Within a theatrical setting, this is fine as they have to explain the situations with speeches and so on, but the constant flashbacks became a little intrusive. At times I felt like they were almost Family Guy cutaways and a simple explanation as to why one of the family had been possibly involved was stretched too long.

However, as a mystery and a drama I think this film hit all the right notes and the whole quality of the production from every aspect elevated it to something more than just a 'Made for TV' thing. I do wish this version had been around when I was studying this play as it would have made having to read it for nearly a year on end much more enjoyable.

The only extras are a less than three minute feature about what the Inspector and the morality of the film and a much better twenty minute look at the history of the play and how it is still so very relevant seventy years later. There are some great looks at the behind the scenes to how the production came to be and just how they came to create such a wonderful piece of work so many years ago.

An Inspector Calls is the very definition of the phrase 'timeless classic'. It doesn't matter what the year is, the play is still very relevant and that's what makes it so enjoyable. It is true that in the fast paced world we live in it may be difficult to sit and concentrate on such a simple drama, but if you give it the attention it deserves, you will thank me for it.