Customer Reviews

The Investigator

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A film told in four parts, this drama from the UK stars Helen Baxendale, best known in the US for her guest role as Emily in the NBC comedy "Friends".

Based on a true story, with a script developed from interviews and official documents, the plot follows an RMP (Royal Military Police) soldier through the "Witch Hunt" days of the British Military sweeps for lesbians in their ranks.

The acting here, is dead on, and those expecting a light and carefree "Emily" from "Friends" will be pleasant surprised to see some deliberate and talented acting chops displayed by Baxendale.

Like most all UK based dramas, the production values are high and the supporting cast more than effective. It is Baxendale though, who brings the story of Caroline Meagher, and the many different nuances and shadings of her career and life, to poignant meaning.

I recommend this film highly.

Running Time: 88 minutes.
Not Rated: contains nudity and adult language

I agree about the quality and impact of the film. Plus, I concur about Helen Baxendale. Her performance is excellent; you can see the progression of her character, and she's so convincing. I also like the characterization of females in the film, especially the Meagher character. It is so, so different from Hollywood/independent U.S. films, where the female characters are made to be so girly. Here's a female character who, as acted by Meagher, is disciplined and professional -- that is, realistic.

England ended its ban on homosexuals in the military in January 2000. Male and female homosexuals are now fully integrated within the British military and same-sex partners of those killed in action receive spousal pension from the government. This made for television, four-part story of Sgt. Caroline Meagher (who makes a personal appearance in front of the camera at the end) takes place between 1979 and 1990, when the military was still investigating homosexuals and purging them from its ranks. Although this awful practice was humiliating and devastating to those who were convicted and discharged, it is also important to remember that volunteering for military service is not on the same level as a civilian job -- it means also accepting a way of life that demands a strict observance and obedience of its rules and standards. I have little sympathy for Sgt. Meagher: she knew what she was getting into and got into it enthusiastically; furthermore, she was a rat fink for investigating "homosexual crimes" committed by fellow service women while secretly indulging her own homosexual nature. Her ambition to be promoted in rank was more important than being complicit in the destruction of the lives of fellow soldiers. She was not kicked out of the military for being a lesbian because the evidence against her was not sufficient; instead, she was ultimately discharged for lying on the application that allowed her to reside off-base with her lesbian partner. Sgt. Meagher not only lived a double-life, she compounded the lie by falsifying documents in order to do it. Knowing full well the score, what did she expect the outcome of her actions to be?

I hate to disagree with the other reviews but I have been watching lesbian-themed movies for 30 years and this one is about as bad as they come. Yes, it was based on a true story but the acting, scripting, and directing are well below par. I was in fits of exasperation from the first few scenes. If you want a true story of lesbian discrimination in the military, buy this movie. If you are looking for quality drama, keep looking. This one just isn't worth it.

This movie is ok. It has its productive moments. At many times it makes you very angry. I would purchase this movie