The Offence

The Offence

Year: 1973

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: Sidney Lumet

DramaThrillerCrime

A veteran British detective, burdened by past trauma, finds himself consumed by a disturbing case involving a young victim. The investigation pushes him to his limits, triggering intense anger and frustration as he pursues justice. A violent confrontation with a suspect occurs, but the unraveling truth forces the detective to confront his own inner demons and the ethical boundaries he's crossed in his pursuit of resolution.

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Timeline & Setting – The Offence (1973)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Offence (1973). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film reflects a contemporary setting, allowing for a realistic portrayal of mental health issues within law enforcement. It captures the ongoing struggles of police work, particularly in dealing with violent crimes, and the psychological toll it takes on officers, a relevant theme throughout modern society.

Location

Detective's precinct, Johnson's home

The movie primarily takes place in a bustling urban setting, embodying the realities of city life filled with crime and despair. Inside the detective's precinct, the atmosphere is tense, filled with the weight of unresolved cases and the cries for justice. Johnson's home serves as a stark contrast, representing personal turmoil and the effects of his troubled career on his domestic life.

🏙️ Urban 🏠 Domestic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:08

Main Characters – The Offence (1973)

Meet the key characters of The Offence (1973), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Detective Sergeant Johnson

Johnson is portrayed as a deeply troubled officer grappling with the weight of his experiences in criminal investigations. His long career has left him psychologically scarred, leading to emotional outbursts and violence as he confronts his limits. As the story unfolds, we see him lead a downward spiral into self-doubt and despair, ultimately becoming a victim of his own trauma.

👮‍♂️ Police 😞 Troubled 🧠 Mental Health

Kenneth Baxter

Baxter serves as the suspect in a horrific rape case, representing the embodiment of the darkest facets of human nature. Throughout his interrogation, he taunts Johnson, becoming a catalyst for the detective's violent outburst, which ultimately leads to life-threatening injuries. His character signifies the adversarial relationship between perpetrator and law enforcement, intensifying the exploration of justice and morality.

👤 Suspect ❗ Confrontational 👿 Dark Side

Maureen Johnson

Maureen is Johnson's wife, who endures the brunt of her husband's emotional turmoil and trauma from his career. Her character embodies the personal cost that law enforcement work has on families, illustrating the domestic fallout of trauma and violence. She represents a figure of support and vulnerability, further complicating Johnson's spiraling mental state.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Spouse 💔 Support 😔 Vulnerable

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:08

Major Themes – The Offence (1973)

Explore the central themes of The Offence (1973), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Mental Health

The film profoundly delves into the impact of mental health on individuals in high-stress professions, particularly law enforcement. Detective Johnson's unraveling psyche serves as a poignant commentary on the dire consequences of neglecting emotional well-being amidst constant exposure to trauma. It highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues in order to prevent destructive outcomes.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a central theme, with Johnson’s moral compass being challenged throughout the interrogation of Kenneth Baxter. His actions raise questions about the nature of justice and the ethical boundaries that law enforcement must navigate in their pursuit of it. The film forces viewers to confront the thin line between justice and vengeance, and the effects of personal bias within the system.

🔥 Violence

Violence permeates both the actions and psychological state of Detective Johnson, reflecting the brutality he faces in his career. His violent outburst during the interrogation symbolizes a breaking point, portraying how repeated exposure to violence can corrupt the very guardians of society. This theme threads throughout Johnson's journey, representing the destructive power of unchecked anger and trauma.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:08

Unlock the Full Story of The Offence

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The Offence Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Offence, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Offence Summary

The Offence Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Offence with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Offence Timeline

More About The Offence

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More About The Offence

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