The Last Supper (DVD)

...although its humour is subtle. The plot of the film is that a group of people murder someone, but then discover that they were evil. This group of people, who to cut corners we will call left-wing, then decide that they could help out society and humanity by "removing" more evil people.

Of course, what defines evil is arguable, and that is one of the questions which is raised by the film. But this group of left-wingers invite ...
...die, and are buried in the back garden.

Are the group morally right to kill individuals with whom they disagree? Well, no, by doing that, they are just as bad as the evil people that they are killing, but philosophically, would it have been right or wrong to kill Hitler early on if it was known what damage he would cause?

The victims that they pick for their "last supper" meetings are also very different, so although ... more

I really like films which have a political and philosophical bent to them, and especially those which provoke thought, and this film, Last Supper, sounded like something I would enjoy, and I wasn't disappointed.

It's in essence a black comedy, although its humour is subtle. The plot of the film is that a group of people murder someone, but then discover that they were evil. This group of people, who to cut corners we will call left-wing, then decide that they could help out society and humanity by "removing" more evil people.

Of course, what defines evil is arguable, and that is one of the questions which is raised by the film. But this group of left-wingers invite each week a right-wing individual, for example, a homophobic individual with strong beliefs, to their dinner party, and if they decide that they are evil, then they are given wine which is poisoned. They then die, and are buried in the back garden.

Are the group morally right to kill individuals with whom they disagree? Well, no, by doing that, they are just as bad as the evil people that they are killing, but philosophically, would it have been right or wrong to kill Hitler early on if it was known what damage he would cause?

The victims that they pick for their "last supper" meetings are also very different, so although in some cases you might think "I can understand why they would want to poison that person", it's less convincing in other cases. As the film progresses, it becomes more obvious in my opinion that the murderers are more and more in the wrong.

And that in essence sets you thinking, which is why I like this film. It's not challenging intellectually insomuch as it really is just a comedy, but it is of interest in being thought provoking.

The film was released in 1995 and is 88 minutes long. It was directed by Stacy Title, who was the wife of Jonathan Penner, who appeared in the film. Penner had formerly acted in Rude Awakening, and he was joined in the film by the well-known Cameron Diaz, although at this time it was relatively early in her career.

Also in the film are Ron Eldard, maybe better known for his roles in ER and Men Behaving Badly (the US version, not the Martin Clunes and Neil Morrisey UK edition). Annabeth Gish also stars, maybe better known for her roles in West Wing and the X-Files.

Acting-wise, the actors are experienced and do add depth to the film. By using actors who are really better known for their TV series roles, it does make the film maybe feel a little TV film like, but I liked the quality of the directing and acting, it felt genuine and believeable.

Disadvantages of the DVD are that no extras were added, so no commentaries, deleted scenes or the like. I always like these to be on the DVD, it gives an added depth to the film in my opinion, but unfortunately there are many films from around the time this was made (1995) which don't have these added extras, as they were no doubt not even thought of in the old VHS video days.

Overall, a very satisfying film if you like sort of genre of film, which I would say is a thoughtful black comedy which raises questions of morality. Definitely worth a look.

(also on same name on dooyoo) 

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