Farhad Safinia directs Mel Gibson, Sean Penn and Eddie Marsan in this historical drama about the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary and the murderous inmate who became a valuable if controversial contributor.

A really rich ensemble, good period location work yet just seems to be missing something binding in the direction. Maybe Rob Reiner, Frank Darabont or even Mel might have made this fascinating story sing more sweetly. Penn’s performance is a bit all over the shop but Mel is dialled back and quite warmly eccentric. A near miss.

6

Perfect Double Bill: The Man Without a Face (1993)

I write regular features about live comedy for British Comedy Guide here https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/bobby_carroll/features/