All the intellectual discourse in the world cannot disguise that these films were deeply disappointing. I am a huge Poliakoff fan and have viewed all his screen works that I am aware of starting with Caught on a Train. This film adopts the familiar surreal and highly atmospheric scenes with the most beautiful direction and cinematography. As usual, acting of the absolutely highest quality adds to the excellence. Sadly, however, to be truly brilliant, as most of Poliakoff's works are, there needs to be a good yarn. A story than draws in the viewer and keeps their attention. For me Capturing Mary failed to do this.

Having not previously seen Ruth Wilson, I was unclear whether her accent and diction was deliberately affected or her natural speaking voice. In parts I actually found I had difficulty in hearing her lines clearly. This was so great an issue for me in A Real Summer that I actually gave up on it.

Compared to earlier works, particularly the apex of Shooting the Past, Perfect Strangers, The Lost Prince and even the "sister" production of Joe's Palace, this was, for me at least, a massive disappointment.

Maggie Smith always has been one of my favourite actresses as she can really act. In Stephen Poliakoff's moving drama she slips into the role of Mary and her failed life which seems to have got off balance by one single encounter with Greville, ending in loneliness - again a Poliakoff theme - and alcohol abuse, but she retains a certain dignity. This one encounter captures Mary for life, enslaves her for life. It is pretty difficult to figure out what really happened to her or whether she just blamed Greville for her ultimately failed life. Maggie Smith's performance is just superb. One can understand why she accepted his role as it gives her a rare opportunity in the TV screen to show that she really is one of Britain and the world's finest actresses. The whole drama is deeply psychological, moving, as usual a bit confusing and in the end utterly fascinating. "Little Britain" star David Walliams portraits Greville in a great performance. I was quite surprised that he is not just a comedy star but a very good actor. All in all a great drama which I greatly enjoyed

"Subtly evil"? "Feigning friendship"? Well, probably, but it's not that simple. This is complex, subtle drama with real psychological depth and dimension, as well as enigma and mystery (yes, both) that don't leave you feeling cheated by lack of answers.
A story so dependent on charisma and obsession should be difficult to write and film convincingly, but "Capturing Mary" succeeds in spades. A key element is, of course, the actors, and Ruth Wilson and David Walliams are both astonishing. The creepy power of Walliams is reminiscent of James Mason.