Page Eight (2011)

Johnny works for MI5. His neighbor Nancy approaches him. When his best friend and boss suddenly dies, Johnny's left to sort out things about the PM, MI5 and US.

Director:

David Hare

Writer:

David Hare

Stars:

Bill Nighy, Rachel Weisz, Tom Hughes

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 20 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bill Nighy	...	Johnny Worricker
Rachel Weisz	...	Nancy Pierpan
Tom Hughes	...	Ralph Wilson
Michael Gambon	...	Benedict Baron
Judy Davis	...	Jill Tankard
Rakhee Thakrar	...	Muna Hammami
Saskia Reeves	...	Anthea Catcheside
Ewen Bremner	...	Rollo Maverley
Felicity Jones	...	Julianne Worricker
Richard Lintern	...	Max Vallance
Holly Aird	...	Anna Hervé
Andrew Cleaver	...	Brian Lord
Kate Burdette	...	Allegra Betts
Ralph Fiennes	...	Alec Beasley
Alice Krige	...	Emma Baron

Storyline

Johnny Worricker (Bill Nighy) is a long-serving MI5 officer. His boss and best friend Benedict Baron (Sir Michael Gambon) dies suddenly, leaving behind him an inexplicable file, threatening the stability of the organization. Meanwhile, a seemingly chance encounter with Johnny's striking next-door neighbor and political activist Nancy Pierpan (Rachel Weisz) seems too good to be true. Johnny is forced to walk out of his job, and then out of his identity to find out the truth. Set in London and Cambridge, this is a contemporary spy movie for the BBC, which addresses intelligence issues and moral dilemmas particular to the new century.

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Plot Keywords:

mi5 | spy | political thriller | blackmail | prime minister | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Did You Know?

Trivia

Television ratings: On its British premiere on television on BBC2, on August 28, 2011, it managed an impressive 3.56 million (15.7 percent) of audience between 9 p.m. and 10.45 p.m.

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Goofs

In one scene we witness a lock being manipulated by a pick set, ostensibly to gain entry to a property. However, the pick and lever are only momentarily wiggled around in the lock before the door gives way. Many productions make the same mistake, the pick only bypasses the pins in the lock, however the cylinder still needs to be rotated as it would be with a key in order to actuate the lock.

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Quotes

Johnny Worricker: This is a small painting you might like. It's by the same artist but not as good.
Nancy Pierpan: I couldn't possibly take it.
Johnny Worricker: You can take it. You're going to live a long time and be an old woman and this way you'll always have something decent on your wall.

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Connections

Referenced in The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards (2012)

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Soundtracks

Fine and Mellow
written by Billie Holiday
Used by kind permission of Carlin Music Corp
Performance of Billie Holiday used with permission as presented

User Reviews

First class entertainment.

Atmospheric, intelligent, thrilling and without violence, this film shines as an example of exceedingly skillful work. There are some scenes of doubtful authenticity but those are still believable and in any case the quality of acting glosses over them. It is delightful when great actors have material and settings that allow them to give their subtle best. Even incidental parts are played convincingly by all and the barely plausible delivery by the Home Secretary only serves to keep things at a human level.

I hope and feel that we shall see more programmes of a similar standard from such a distinguished cast and clever crew. Simply superb from start to finish. (Viewed on iPlayer)

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 November 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Worricker Trilogy

Filming Locations:

Chelsea Embankment, Chelsea, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Heyday Films, Runaway Fridge TV, Carnival Film & Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1