THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM

It is surely no secret by now that I adore the whimsical, fantastical and theatrical. But for what I was assuming was going to be a more straightforward Agatha Christie-style whodunnit, I was mistaken. That isn't to say this didn't work; I just spend a fair amount of time wondering what was going on and who was who. This is probably one of the best devices of the film, breaking away from the usual tropes. In the theatre, anything is possible, and so too it felt like in 'The Limehouse Golem.' I often felt like I was watching two separate films that had been combined, as there was so much of the film set in flashback. Part gory murder story, part courtroom drama, questions were asked and then maybe even over-answered.

I couldn't stop second-guessing myself throughout, and that was definitely part of the fun and the appeal. Just when you think you're about to get an answer in a flashback, you get more than you bargained for and it changes the question you originally had. That said, I still don't think I understand the ending, or indeed who "done" it. I thought I had an answer when I saw it but now I just don't know at all. Does this film even exist? Do I exist?

Nothing is certain.

There is a definite charm around the film and you literally have every British actor who is alive right now in it. I think setting it in a music hall or theatre gives the film a certain creative licence with how it tells its story: you are always trying to figure out not only the murderer but who in fact is telling what part of this elaborate tale. I haven't read the book this film was based on, 'Don Leno and the Limehouse Golem' by Peter Ackroyd, but now have a burning desire to as there are still so many questions I need answered. To quote myself though, maybe I'm just being really ignorant.

Regardless of my ignorance, make your mind up for yourself and tell me who you think 'The Limehouse Golem' actually was - it's sure to be a talking point walking out of the film.