The read
Audiences rate it 15 points higher than critics do. Most of the 1,962 1990s drama movies in this catalog score higher.
Synopsis
In 1880s London, pornographic bookseller Verloc is a double agent for the Russian government, providing information to Chief Inspector Heat about a lazy anarchist organization. In order for the anarchists to be arrested, an act of terrorism must occur. So Verloc decides to set up bombs – which leads to tragedy – not only for himself but also for his family, including wife Winnie and brother-in-law, Stevie.
Ratings
IMDb5.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Metacritic41/100
Audiences rate it 15 points higher than critics do.
47 audience votes
Key crew
- Christopher HamptonWriter
- Christopher HamptonDirector
- Philip GlassOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Bob HoskinsVerloc
- Patricia ArquetteWinnie
- Jim BroadbentChief Inspector Heat
- Christian BaleStevie
- Gérard DepardieuOssipon
- Suzy Eddie IzzardVladimir
- Peter VaughanThe Driver
- Robin WilliamsThe Professor (uncredited)
- Elizabeth SpriggsWinnie's Mother
- Neville PhillipsTicket Clark
- Ralph NossekYundt
Stills
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Themes
mentally disabledbombwifebrother-in-lawpolice inspectorgreenwich londonolder husbandshop owner