Red Riding 1980

Red Riding 1980 is a chilling crime-drama film, part of the Red Riding Trilogy, that is set in Yorkshire, England in the era of 1974-1983. Based on the quartet of novels by David Peace, "Nineteen Seventy Four", "Nineteen Seventy Seven", "Nineteen Eighty" and "Nineteen Eighty Three", the film is directed by James Marsh, following the former installment directed by Julian Jarrold.

Released in 2009, the cast stars Andrew Garfield, David Morrissey, and John Henshaw among others. Red Riding 1980 takes you on a thrilling journey, intertwining real-life events and fiction to the haunting backdrop of Yorkshire at a time when the county was gripped in fear.

Set during the Yorkshire Ripper’s reign of terror, the film dives into the height of paranoia during one of the country's darkest times. A serial killer is on the loose, and the police are desperate to put an end to the spree. The focus in this installment specifically falls on Assistant Chief Constable Peter Hunter, played by David Morrissey, appointed to review the stalled investigation of the Yorkshire Ripper case.

David Morrissey puts forth a captivating performance as Peter Hunter. He is earnest and upright, determined to unveil the truth in the convoluted saga shadowing Yorkshire. His character is profoundly complex, caught between the intense public pressure to solve the case and the internal political tensions within the force. Hunter must navigate the corrupted policing system of the late 1970s, riddled with cover-ups, deceit and unspoken codes of misconduct, pushing him and his team to their limits.

Andrew Garfield, in a stark contrast to his character in the 1974 installment of the series, takes a backseat but leaves an indelible impression with a subtly nuanced performance. He embeds nerve and energy into the narrative, bringing forth the bleak atmosphere and showcasing the disturbing reality of the prevailing times.

John Henshaw completes the trio with a solid and gritty portrayal of a police superintendent. His character’s rough-around-the-edges persona, cynical demeanour, and underlying desire for justice round off the hard-hitting ensemble.

The striking performances are accompanied by a tone-setting cinematography and a deeply unsettling score that adds to the grim atmosphere. The camera use is intelligent, often claustrophobic, confining each character within their own moral predicaments. Notably, James Marsh brilliantly uses the historical backdrop to intensify the storyline's sense of dread.

The narrative is concentrated, rooted deeply in its sense of location and era, allowing the uneasy atmosphere to slowly seep into the audience’s psyche. The dialogue is candid, and the interactions raw, letting each character's struggle against their personal and professional dilemmas take centre stage.

While Red Riding 1980 is primarily a thriller, it's also an exploration of a society in peril – the terror prevalent within individual lives and the community at large. What this film fosters is not only a paralyzing fear of a serial killer but also the unnerving realization of a corrupted society inherently flawed with systemic issues.

The Ripper investigation serves as a backdrop to expose the insidious nature of corruption within the law enforcement system. The film meticulously delves into these deep-seated issues, taking us further into the sinister world of the seemingly powerless against the mightily corrupt.

As the second film in the Red Riding trilogy, produced by Channel 4 and adapted by Tony Grisoni, Red Riding 1980 stands well on its own, but benefits from the peripheral understanding of the preceding and succeeding installments.

In summary, Red Riding 1980 is a hard-hitting, gripping tale, an amalgamation of crime, mystery and drama which leaves the viewers entranced and appalled in equal measures. Rich in atmosphere and narratives, it delves deep into the societal fears and moral complexities of a time marked by crime and corruption. Through a blend of excellent performances, subtle storytelling, and exceptional direction, the film leaves a lasting, chilling impression.