In 2010 the BBC commissioned a TV drama called Luther staring Idris Elba, which was about a detective of the same name. The detective plays by his own rules and the trailer on BBC One failed to sell it to me and I’ve ignored it ever since. I think it had the Marmite effect on a few people, as I only know a couple of people that actually like to watch it. Idris Elba on the other hand become a big star since the shows launch and has made several Hollywood films such as Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and Guy Ritchie’s Rocknrolla. The second film I particularly loved. Elba also made his name playing Russell ‘Stringer’ Bell in US televisions The Wire.
This week I attended the launch and Q&A for Luther season 3. Sitting down with an audience to watch a television show is something we should all do. The laughs, screams and gasps are missed when you watch it on the small screen and the opening episode certainly gave us all those emotions and more. I would go as far to say that Luther isn’t just a drama series but also a horror story akin to those from the 1980’s but a lot less corny. The production is based around East London, which is presented in an honest way, dark and gritty. The production values are very slick and movie like in its own right with director Sam Miller doing an amazing job with some brave editing and shot choices. Now I’m converted and before the season starts this July, I need to catch up on the previous two seasons.
The Q&A was informative and fun as always to listen to with a real interest from Elba in making a movie prequel of Luther. However this is still in the “wish it to happen” stage. Elba’s next highlighted project is called, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, which has Elber playing the role of Nelson Mandela. Can’t wait for that.
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