"The Escape Artist" Review - David Tennant Thriller Is More Proof That Some Drama Belongs To TV, Not Film

This week has seen the release of two London-based judicial thrillers, based on the British justice system, focusing on its great cornerstone that everyone, however badly they are accused of behaving, is deserving of legal defence.

On the big screen, ‘Closed Circuit’ asks what happens when the prosecution’s evidence could compromise national security. The answer: the employment of a Special Advocate who must decide what to share with the defence barrister.

‘Closed Circuit’s director told HuffPostUK that the scale of this film, showing London in all its glory, the Thames, the Eye, the traumatic explosion at the beginning, all justify its presence on the big screen.

David Tennant plays a defence barrister, with little choice over whom he gets to defend

But I’d argue the opposite – that for certain stories, especially those involving the intricacies of the legal system, a requisite amount of exposition, the need for strong, evolving, subtle character arc – a television three-parter is a far more natural home.

‘The Escape Artist’ just helped prove my point. The story, penned by David Wolstencroft was a thrilling exploration of what happens when the values of star-performer defence barrister Will Burton (David Tennant) – that EVERYONE deserves legal representation – come back to haunt him.

I’m not going to ruin it for those still to see this on iPlayer, but can safely say that Tennant proved once again why it’s Hollywood’s loss and our gain that he hasn’t yet converted his telly success into an LA pile. Or perhaps he’s just a natural small screen actor.

David Tennant was paired with Ashley Jensen in an effective screen partnership

Either way, he can play this kind of role in his sleep now. As Burton, he is the same middle-class, successful family man we saw in ‘The Politician’s Husband’. What altered him from his morally ambivalent character in that previous outing was his pairing with the deceptively soft presence of his co-star. As his wife Kate, Ashley Jensen hardly seemed to be acting, she made it look so effortless, and yet she changed all the chemistry in the room, and altered Tennant’s bearing accordingly.

Didn’t like Toby Kebbell as Burton’s client, but then I realise I wasn’t meant to. And I’ll definitely be tuning in to see what happens next. Next Tuesday. Happily in front of the telly.

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UK Entertainment – The Huffington Post

"The Escape Artist" Review - David Tennant Thriller Is More Proof That Some Drama Belongs To TV, Not Film

Leona Lewis reveals Christmas, With Love album plus listen to her new single One More Sleep

26 Oct 2013 12:58

X Factor’s most successful daughter is releasing her first Christmas album and it’s Motown inspired with a festive theme

O’ Holy Night: Leona must be hoping her Christmas album will give her a much needed hit

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Leona Lewis has revealed details of her forthcoming Christmas album and new single.

The Bleeding Love singer will release her Christmas album on December 2, just in time to fill your houses with the festive spirit, not to mention the sound of Leona warbling about mistletoe and wine. Hopefully mostly wine.

Leona’s new single, One More Sleep will follow on December 3.

Let’s hope it does a bit better than her last single – the one that failed to make even the top 200 after selling just 600 copies!

“This has been such a busy year for me having been on tour, shooting my first movie and being in the studio,” Leona said in a statement.

“I cannot wait to get out there this Christmas and perform these songs.

“I had such fun recording this record and that really comes through in the songs.

“I am looking forward to spreading a little Christmas cheer!”

Our Lady of the X Factor also confirmed that the LP, which has been produced by Biff Stannard and Ash Howes, will contain two original songs, co-written by Leona.

Your Hallelujah sounds a tad more Christmassy than Mr Right, if we’re being honest. Unless she’s singing about Father Christmas, and who doesn’t consider a fat man in a red suit who breaks into your house to eat your mince pies and leave gifts to be their Mr Right?

The album is described as having “quite a Motown” feel and will also feature Leona’s versions of Christmas classics.

All the nights are there with O’ Holy Night and Silent Night taking pride of place alongside Ave Maria, and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.

A Motown version of O’ Holy Night should be interesting. But mostly we’re wondering that come Christmas morning, whether Leona will be wearing her fetching pink latex outfit while stuffing her turkey?

It is wipe clean after all.

mirror – 3am

Leona Lewis reveals Christmas, With Love album plus listen to her new single One More Sleep

Inside Soap Awards 2013 Red Carpet: Gemma Merna Flashes Her Flesh In Acid Green Dress And More (PICTURES)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Gemma Merna attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Gemma Merna attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Gemma Merna attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Georgia May Foote attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Georgia May Foote attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Georgia May Foote attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Hetti Bywater attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Hetti Bywater attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jorgie Porter attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jorgie Porter attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jacqueline Jossa attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jacqueline Jossa attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jacqueline Jossa attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jasmyn Banks attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jasmyn Banks attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jennifer Metcalfe attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jennifer Metcalfe attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jennifer Metcalfe attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Danielle Harold attends the Inside Soap Awards at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Danielle Harold attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Charley Webb attends the Inside Soap Awards at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Charley Webb attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Shona McGarty attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Shona McGarty attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Samantha Womack attends the Inside Soap Awards at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Samantha Womack attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Zoe Henry attends the Inside Soap Awards at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Zoe Henry attends the Inside Soap Awards at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Ashley Taylor Dawson attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Brooke Vincent attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Brooke Vincent attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Brooke Vincent attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Kieron Richardson attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Shane O’Meara and Adiza Shardow pose with the award for Best Drama for Waterloo Road as they attend the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Abby Mavers (L) and Tommy Lawrence-Knight (C) pose with the award for Best Drama for Waterloo Road as they attend the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Carl Au attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Michelle Hardwick attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Michelle Hardwick and Dominic Brunt pose with their awards as they attend the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Cornell S John attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Rudolph Walker attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Gary Lucy attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Ricky Norwood attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Lisa Gormley attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Nitin Ganatra attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Khali Best attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Danny Mac attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Jake Wood attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Himesh Patel attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Clare Perkins attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Charlie Condou attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Inside Soap Awards – Red Carpet Arrivals

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Ayden Callaghan attends the Inside Soap Awards, at Ministry Of Sound on October 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

UK Entertainment – The Huffington Post

Inside Soap Awards 2013 Red Carpet: Gemma Merna Flashes Her Flesh In Acid Green Dress And More (PICTURES)

Michael Fassbender Reveals Longest Girlfriend Was Two Years, Admits He"s "A Lot More Successful" With Women Now (VIDEO)

Michael Fassbender has revealed the longest he’s ever dated a woman was for two years.

Speaking to GQ about his his dating history and being selfish, he said: “I’m kind of selfish with the hours that I put into the work.”

The 36-year-old, who is among the most in-demand actors in the industry, said this selfishness can affect his relationships: “I think the longest relationship that I’ve been in was two years. I started doing this when I was 17, so I guess in my dating, adult life, that kind of covers it.”

However, that’s not to say the ’12 Years A Slave’ star doesn’t receive a lot of attention from potential partners.

“I make a lot more friends, you know what I mean? You become a lot more successful in terms of, like, talking to a girl. She’s all of a sudden more interested in me,” he told the mag.

He added: “I know that, like, three years ago, she would’ve walked away after two sentences left my mouth. I remember I was sitting at this table at this thing, and I was talking to this girl. I was like, ‘God, I am so boring right now.’ But she was like, ‘That’s so interesting!’ I was like, ‘You know what? Five years ago, this would not have been interesting.’”

See the full interview in November’s issue of GQ on newsstands 22 October.

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UK Entertainment – The Huffington Post

Michael Fassbender Reveals Longest Girlfriend Was Two Years, Admits He"s "A Lot More Successful" With Women Now (VIDEO)