Hubbry Logo
MindhornMindhornMain
Open search
Mindhorn
Community hub
Mindhorn
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Mindhorn
Mindhorn
from Wikipedia

Mindhorn
British release poster
Directed bySean Foley
Written by
Produced by
  • Jack Arbuthnott
  • Laura Hastings-Smith
Starring
CinematographyDavid Luther
Edited byMark Everson
Music by
  • Keefus Ciancia
  • David Holmes
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release dates
  • 9 October 2016 (2016-10-09) (London Film Festival)
  • 5 May 2017 (2017-05-05)
Running time
89 minutes[3]
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

Mindhorn is a 2016 British independent comedy film directed by Sean Foley,[4] written by Julian Barratt and Simon Farnaby, and executive produced by Steve Coogan and Ridley Scott. It stars Barratt, Farnaby, Essie Davis, Russell Tovey and Andrea Riseborough, with cameo appearances by Kenneth Branagh and Simon Callow as themselves.[5] Barratt plays Richard Thorncroft, a faded television actor drawn into negotiations with a criminal who believes his character Detective Mindhorn is real.

Plot

[edit]

Richard Thorncroft is a former television actor, known for playing Detective Bruce Mindhorn, a detective with a cybernetic eye that enables him to see truth (described as an optical lie detector), on the 1980s TV show Mindhorn. Twenty-five years later, on the Isle of Man, where the series was filmed, police hunt the escaped lunatic Paul Melly, who's wanted for murder. Melly says he will only speak to Detective Mindhorn, believing Mindhorn is real.

Richard is now washed up, making a living advertising embarrassing products. Hoping to boost his career, he returns to help the case, irritating the local police with his arrogance. Melly's scheduled call to the police station leads to a meeting, ending in Melly's arrest. Richard sets out to reconnect with his Mindhorn co-star and ex, Patricia, discovering she lives with his former stuntman Clive, and daughter Jasmine.

Another of his Mindhorn co-stars, Pete Eastman, now stars in a successful spin-off series. Pete invites Richard around with the promise of a DVD release of Mindhorn, only to mock him. Dejected, Richard parties with his former manager Moncrieff, is detained after a night of drunkenness and cocaine-snorting, and dropped by his agent.

Waiting for his ferry home, Richard opens fan mail, and realises that it's from Melly, including a videotape showing the mayor committing the murder. Richard shows the tape to Moncrieff, who proposes using it to blackmail the mayor. He refuses to give the tape back, but appears to concede after a brief altercation. Richard meets Melly and the police, but discovers Moncrieff has swapped the tape. Moncrieff independently tries to blackmail the mayor but is killed by DS Baines, the mayor's niece and part of the conspiracy.

Melly and Richard escape to Melly's secret lair, filled with Mindhorn merchandise and homemade espionage equipment. Melly equips him with an extensive Mindhorn outfit, explaining he has a copy of the tape in the classic car used in Mindhorn. They escape Baines when Melly throws defective Mindhorn-brand truth powder in her face.

At Patricia and Clive's, Richard finds the car is in the local parade. Patricia finds letters to her from Richard that Clive hid from her. Richard, Melly and Patricia go to get the car from the parade, and are pursued by DS Baines to the beach. Richard finds the "copy" of the tape is just a plasticine model Melly made. Melly is hit by a bullet and appears to die. Baines arrives, and appears to kill Patricia and injure Richard. Richard records Baines' confession on a Mindhorn recorder belt that Melly had him wear.

The police arrive and Richard and Pat get up, having tricked Baines into using a gun with blanks. They prove Baines' and the mayor's roles in the murders with the tape. Richard then rescues Jasmine from Baines as she fires at him, with a gun he believes is also full of blanks. When told that he actually just narrowly dodged several real bullets, Richard faints. After recovering, Richard and Patricia get back together, Baines and the mayor are jailed, and Melly is found alive in his lair.

Cast

[edit]

Release

[edit]

Mindhorn went on general release in the UK on 5 May 2017,[6] and was screened at the Belfast Film Festival.[7] Netflix acquired the rights to broadcast in all territories outside of the UK between 12 May 2017 and May 2023.[2][8] The film was nominated for a best debut screenwriter award by the British Independent Film Awards in 2017.[9]

Reception

[edit]

On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 92% based on reviews from 48 critics. The site's consensus was, "Led by a committed performance from Julian Barratt, Mindhorn offers audiences a laugh-out-loud comedy whose sublime silliness is enhanced by its more thoughtful moments."[10]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Mindhorn is a British independent comedy film directed by Sean Foley and written by and . The story centers on Richard Thorncroft, a faded portrayed by Barratt, who rose to fame in the as the titular in the fictional television series Mindhorn, equipped with a cybernetic eye that could literally "see the truth". Decades later, Thorncroft is drawn back into the spotlight when a on of Man insists on communicating only with his former character, forcing the washed-up star to reprise the role alongside law enforcement to aid in the investigation. The film features a notable including , , and , with executive production by , and it premiered at the 2016 London Film Festival before receiving a in the UK in 2017 and later streaming availability on platforms like . Critically, Mindhorn has been praised for its affectionate spoof of tropes and lowbrow humor, earning a 92% approval rating on from 50 reviews, while audiences have noted its cringe-worthy gags and campy style suitable for mature viewers. Filmed primarily on the Isle of Man, the movie draws on traditions, with Barratt—known from —delivering a standout performance as the deluded yet endearing protagonist.

Background

Fictional TV series

Mindhorn is a fictional British television series that aired in the , starring Richard Thorncroft as the titular detective Bruce P. Mindhorn, a one-eyed investigator whose left eye was replaced with a bionic implant following by Russian agents, granting him the ability to "literally see the truth" and detect lies. The show parodies 1980s crime dramas like Bergerac, presenting Mindhorn as a plain-clothes sleuth operating from the Isle of Man, where his enhanced vision aids in unraveling complex cases involving and local intrigue. Formatted as a campy action-comedy series, Mindhorn features over-the-top tropes such as high-speed chases, dramatic confrontations, and exaggerated stunts, all set against the island's distinctive landscapes including the Laxey Wheel and Douglas sea terminal. Iconic moments include crash-zooms into Mindhorn's eyepatch during interrogations and the recurring use of his "truth-seeing" technology to expose villains, often accompanied by a soft-rock theme anthem, "You Can’t Handcuff the Wind." The series ran for three seasons, blending procedural elements with humorous, futuristic gadgetry that captivated audiences at the time. Within the story's universe, Mindhorn enjoyed peak popularity in the , spawning merchandise like action figures and magazine covers, as well as a short-lived spin-off, Windjammer, which merged sleuthing adventures with promotions for weather-resistant apparel. Its cancellation after the third series marked the beginning of Thorncroft's professional decline, exacerbated by his controversial on-air insults toward colleagues and the Isle of Man during a appearance, cementing his status as a faded star reliant on nostalgic revivals. The show's legacy endures through recreations of its earnest yet absurd style, highlighting the era's blend of and technological fantasy in British television.

Development

The development of Mindhorn originated from the collaboration between writers Julian Barratt and Simon Farnaby, drawing on their comedy backgrounds—Barratt from the surreal sketch series The Mighty Boosh and Farnaby from Horrible Histories and Yonderland—to create a script inspired by 1980s British TV detective shows such as Bergerac and The Six Million Dollar Man, as well as cult films like The Wicker Man. The concept stemmed from Farnaby's idea of a delusional individual contacting authorities via the fictional detective Mindhorn, with the character's name derived from a surreal poem and song by musician Oly Ralfe, a connection tied to Barratt's Mighty Boosh era. The script was written between 2014 and 2015, marking the first writing partnership between Barratt and Farnaby, who initially considered adapting the story as a series before opting for a to capture its self-contained narrative arc. Executive production involvement began in 2015 with through his and via , providing key support during . A pivotal decision was selecting the Isle of Man as the setting, chosen for its generous tax incentives that made filming financially viable, as well as its isolated, atmospheric landscape that thematically echoed the fictional Mindhorn TV series' origins in a Channel Islands-inspired locale like Bergerac's . The writers also committed to blending overt spoof elements with an authentic of production styles, aiming to homage the era's earnest detective tropes while satirizing faded celebrity culture. Pre-production funding was secured through a consortium of companies, including , Pinewood Pictures, Film, and the , which together enabled the project's progression to with a budget under £3 million.

Plot

Act one

The first act of Mindhorn introduces protagonist Thorncroft as a faded eking out a living in a cramped , surrounded by faded memorabilia from his brief stint as the star of the 1980s cult TV series Mindhorn.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 21 </grok:render> Overweight and unemployed after being fired from a advertisement—replaced by a more famous —Thorncroft grapples with obscurity and lingering regrets over a career derailed by ego and poor choices, highlighting his personal and professional decline.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 21 </grok:render> Intercut with these scenes are nostalgic flashbacks to the show's heyday, portraying a young Thorncroft as the suave detective Bruce P. Mindhorn, equipped with a bionic eye capable of detecting lies, which establishes the film's satirical tone of comedy laced with absurdity and .<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 21 </grok:render> This contrast underscores the protagonist's fall from grace while evoking a sense of wistful humor about faded . The inciting incident unfolds when Manx police contact Thorncroft, revealing that a suspected terrorizing the Isle of Man insists on communicating only with "Mindhorn," deludedly believing the fictional character to be real after obsessively watching old tapes.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 42 </grok:render> Initially reluctant to revisit his past amid his current humiliations, Thorncroft sees the opportunity as a potential career revival and agrees to return to the Isle of Man for the first time in 25 years.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 21 </grok:render> Upon arrival, Thorncroft's reluctance deepens through awkward early interactions with old acquaintances, including his former co-star and ex-lover Deville—now a local television —and her husband, Thorncroft's erstwhile stunt double Clive Parnevik, whose presence stirs jealousy and unresolved tensions.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 42 </grok:render> The killer's first taunting message arrives, mocking the authorities and specifically demanding Mindhorn's involvement, propelling Thorncroft into the bizarre real-world investigation and amplifying the act's blend of , , and thriller setup.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 42 </grok:render>

Act two

In Act two, Richard Thorncroft fully immerses himself in the Mindhorn persona upon arriving on the Isle of Man, donning a period-appropriate and recreating the character's signature "Truth Eye"—a cybernetic implant purportedly capable of detecting lies—to assist in their investigation. He participates in interrogations of potential suspects, adopting the bombastic style of his 1980s TV series to extract information, often leading to comically inept procedural moments where his theatrical flair clashes with the seriousness of the case. Central conflicts arise as Thorncroft navigates personal betrayals and escalating dangers; he reconnects with his former flame and co-star Patricia Deville, now a journalist married to Clive Parnevik, while facing antagonism from his ex-stunt double Clive, who has moved on to a more stable life. Betrayal deepens through interactions with old colleague Peter Easterman, whose successful spin-off series has overshadowed Thorncroft's faded legacy, fueling resentment amid the chaos. The killer's threats intensify, referencing the fictional Mindhorn lore in taunts that force Thorncroft deeper into the role, heightening the stakes without resolution. Humorous set pieces punctuate the rising tension, including a farcical chase sequence across of Man's rugged terrain that parodies action tropes, and absurd scenes where Thorncroft's ego-driven improvisations—such as dramatic poses and outdated gadgetry—derail professional efforts. A unfolds as Thorncroft leverages the from the case to pitch a career revival, courting media attention through Pat while grappling with the absurdity of blurring his real and fictional identities. These elements build interpersonal and comedic escalation, emphasizing the disconnect between Thorncroft's self-image and the harsh realities confronting him.

Act three

As the investigation intensifies, Richard Thorncroft fully embodies his former character, Detective Inspector Bruce Mindhorn, to engage the killer, Paul Melly—known as "The Kestrel"—who has escaped custody and taken Thorncroft hostage. In a twist revealing Melly's innocence, the two form an unlikely alliance to expose a deeper conspiracy involving local corruption, with the true murderer being DS Baines, the mayor's niece, who framed Melly for personal gain. This climactic confrontation unfolds in Melly's makeshift lair stocked with Mindhorn memorabilia and improvised gadgets, where Thorncroft dons authentic 1980s-era props, including the iconic bionic eye device symbolizing truth detection from the original series. High-stakes action ensues as Thorncroft and Melly evade assassins dispatched by the mayor, including a dramatic motorcycle chase and hand-to-hand skirmishes that parody 1980s action tropes while tying directly to the Mindhorn mythos of espionage and heroism. Thorncroft records Baines' confession using a Mindhorn recorder belt, allowing police to intervene and apprehend the mayor and Baines, thus resolving the murders and clearing Melly's name. This payoff underscores the film's satire on delusion, as the "fictional" Mindhorn persona proves effective against real-world deceit, blending absurdity with a critique of 1980s nostalgia. In the resolution, Thorncroft confronts his personal failings, reconciling with ex-girlfriend by acknowledging the betrayals from his past, including her to his former stunt double and the true paternity of their . His career receives a modest revival through media attention on the case, though he departs the Isle of Man with tempered expectations, having achieved about the hollowness of fame. The thematic closure emphasizes redemption through authenticity, as Thorncroft sheds his grandiose illusions for quiet growth, satirizing the enduring allure of faded . The film wraps with post-resolution humor, featuring Thorncroft's wry commentary on his ordeal and a lighthearted suggesting potential for a Mindhorn , leaving audiences with a mix of and levity.

Cast and characters

Main cast

leads the ensemble as Richard Thorncroft, a faded best known for embodying the eponymous 1980s TV Bruce Mindhorn, whose life unravels into obscurity after the show's cancellation. Barratt's portrayal masterfully captures Thorncroft's vulnerability, blending poignant with razor-sharp comedic timing that underscores the character's desperate bid for relevance amid personal and professional decline. Simon Farnaby portrays Clive Parnevik, Thorncroft's opportunistic manager and erstwhile collaborator from the original Mindhorn production, whose scheming loyalty provides both comic foil and emotional anchor. Farnaby infuses the role with infectious energy, highlighting Parnevik's backstory ties to the series through humorous, self-serving antics that reveal a genuine, if flawed, friendship. Andrea Riseborough plays DS Elena Baines, the pragmatic detective who partners with Thorncroft on the investigation, her skepticism toward his outdated methods forming a key tension in their collaboration. Riseborough's performance emphasizes Baines's no-nonsense professionalism and subtle evolution in perspective, grounding the film's absurdity with sharp wit. Essie Davis embodies Patricia Deville, Thorncroft's ex-co-star and former love interest from the Mindhorn series, now thriving as a TV journalist whose interactions with him stir unresolved tensions. Davis delivers a mercurial turn, accentuating Deville's confidence and underlying complexity while critiquing industry sexism through her character's arc. Throughout the narrative, Thorncroft's arc traces a journey from bitter stagnation to rediscovered agency via his iconic , Parnevik shifts between exploitation and steadfast support, Baines moves from professional detachment to intrigued alliance, and Deville navigates lingering affections against her independent stride—all without compromising the ensemble's comedic synergy.

Supporting cast

The supporting cast of Mindhorn bolsters the film's ensemble with a blend of character actors and high-profile cameos that amplify its satirical edge on faded celebrity and institutional absurdity. portrays Paul Melly, the unhinged serial killer known as "The Kestrel," whose obsessive belief in the fictional Mindhorn drives much of the comedic tension. Steve Coogan delivers a sharp turn as Peter Easterman, a pompous rival actor and television executive whose smug demeanor underscores the industry's cutthroat nostalgia. appears as Rose Serrato, the protagonist's long-suffering agent, offering wry commentary on the vicissitudes of . The film includes notable cameos by and , both playing exaggerated versions of themselves in self-referential television spots that poke fun at . Additional ensemble members, such as as Jeffrey Moncrieff, David Schofield as Chief Inspector Derek Newsome, and Patrick Walshe McBride as , contribute to the quirky setting with roles that enhance the film's offbeat humor through local flavor and minor eccentricities. These performances collectively provide via inept authority figures and industry parodies, enriching the central narrative without overshadowing the leads.

Production

Filming

for Mindhorn commenced in the summer of 2015 and lasted approximately five weeks, primarily on location in the Isle of Man to capitalize on the island's tax incentives for film productions. This choice of location not only provided financial benefits but also aligned with the story's setting, as the fictional TV series Mindhorn is depicted as being filmed there, allowing the production to authentically recreate the show's Manx backdrop. Key exterior scenes were shot at iconic Isle of Man sites, including the Laxey Wheel, which served as a distinctive landmark in sequences evoking the original series' era; the Peel promenade, used for coastal and everyday street action; and the Douglas Sea Terminal, capturing the island's maritime atmosphere central to the plot's detective narrative. Interior shots, such as those for the police station, civic centre, and underground bunker, were filmed at Carmel College in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, England, to simulate institutional and confined spaces from the 1980s show. The encountered challenges in faithfully reproducing the low-budget, garish aesthetics of British TV series, relying on practical effects for key elements like the protagonist's "Truth Eye"—a bionic ocular implant that "sees" lies—achieved through prosthetics and on-set rigging rather than heavy digital intervention. Outdoor filming was further complicated by the Isle of Man's notoriously changeable weather, which affected scheduling and continuity for location shoots. Director Sean Foley, transitioning from to his feature debut, adopted a typical of independent comedies, prioritizing fluid actor movement and natural pacing over multi-camera efficiency. He emphasized to amplify the humor, allowing performers like and to riff on scripted beats, which contributed to the 's spontaneous, farcical tone amid its satirical take on faded stardom.

Music and soundtrack

The score for Mindhorn was composed by David Holmes and , who incorporated synth elements to parody the era's television soundtracks while infusing modern indie sensibilities, enhancing the film's nostalgic comedic tone. Original score tracks underscore key action sequences and satirical moments, evoking the bombastic style of detective shows through retro synth waves and rhythmic pulses that amplify the absurdity of the plot. A prominent musical feature is the song "You Can't Handcuff the Wind," performed by lead Julian Barratt as the character Richard Thorncroft, styled as an over-the-top power that plays during the and in a faux sequence. This track was released on The Richard Thorncroft EP in 2017. The film's , led by Ben Barker as supervising sound editor and designer, reinforces the spoof aesthetic with exaggerated effects that heighten the comedic exaggeration of the Mindhorn persona's gadgets and scenarios.

Release

Premiere

Mindhorn had its world on 9 October 2016 at the 60th , where it screened in the Laugh strand. The event featured attendance by lead actors and , who co-wrote the screenplay, along with other cast members such as . Early screenings generated positive buzz for the film's spoof of 1980s shows, with critics praising its absurd humor and ensemble cast. The film received its premiere on 27 April 2017, shortly before its wider release, with cast and crew including Barratt and Farnaby returning to the location where principal photography took place in 2015. This event included local promotion highlighting the island's role in the production, drawing connections between the story's setting and the actual filming sites to engage the community. Ahead of its theatrical release on 5 May 2017, marketing efforts featured trailers that emphasized the film's comedic spoof elements, such as the bionic eye gimmick and washed-up actor premise. These trailers were released online via in March 2017 and later previewed on , building anticipation for the independent comedy.

Distribution

In the , Mindhorn received a distributed by , beginning on May 5, 2017, across select cinemas following its festival premiere. The film's distribution included a DVD and Blu-ray edition released by on September 4, 2017, featuring the theatrical cut with additional special features such as behind-the-scenes commentary. Internationally, Netflix secured exclusive distribution rights for all territories outside the , making the film available to stream starting May 12, 2017, as part of its original content slate. This arrangement lasted until May 2023, after which the title became available on other streaming platforms, including a return to in select regions by late 2025. The film's box office performance was modest, earning approximately $815,829 (£615,000) in the , reflecting its independent production scale and the impact of the deal, which prioritized streaming over wide theatrical expansion. Marketing efforts emphasized the film's setting and through official trailers and posters; the trailer, released in March 2017, showcased comedic highlights and celebrity cameos from actors like , while poster designs featured character one-sheets and quad artwork spotlighting lead Julian Barratt's portrayal of the titular detective.

Reception

Critical response

Mindhorn received positive reviews from critics, who praised its sharp satire of 1980s British television tropes and 's lead performance as the washed-up actor Richard Thorncroft. On , the film holds a 92% approval rating based on 50 reviews; the site's consensus reads, "Led by a committed performance from , Mindhorn offers audiences a laugh-out-loud whose sublime silliness is enhanced by its more thoughtful moments." In The Guardian, Mark Kermode awarded the film 3 out of 5 stars, lauding its "idiotic 80s-style detective" premise and effective of vintage cop shows, though he noted the results were "as uneven as the famously changeable Manx weather" but "sporadically hilarious." Similarly, 's Stephen Dalton described it as a "starry comic romp" that delivers laughs through its ensemble cast and absurd plot, but critiqued the script's unevenness and pacing issues in the second half. Critics widely acclaimed the film's satire on faded stardom, with Thorncroft's desperate bid for relevance embodying the pathos of minor celebrities clinging to past glory, alongside affectionate jabs at British TV conventions like over-the-top heroism and regional quirks. Minor criticisms focused on occasional predictability in the humor and a reliance on familiar tropes, though these were often overshadowed by the film's consistent wit. On , the film has a score of 70 out of 100 based on 9 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews. Audience reception was more mixed, with an rating of 6.3/10 from over 14,000 users, where fans particularly appreciated the dry British humor and Barratt's charismatic performance despite some finding the plot formulaic.

Accolades

At the 2016 , Mindhorn received a for the Debut category, recognizing the original screenplay by and . This nod underscored the film's fresh comedic voice within the UK's independent cinema landscape, though it did not secure a win. The film also earned recognition at the 2017 LOCO Comedy Film , where Barratt, Farnaby, and director Sean Foley accepted the Discovery Award for their collaborative work on the project. This honor highlighted Mindhorn's appeal as an innovative comedy debut, celebrating its quirky scripting and ensemble-driven humor in a festival dedicated to emerging comedic talent. In the technical realm, Mindhorn achieved a win at the 2017 British Film Designers Guild Awards for Best Production Design in an Independent Feature Film, awarded to Peter Francis and set decorators Stella Fox and Sally Black. These accolades collectively emphasized Mindhorn's success in garnering appreciation for its debut scripting and overall indie execution during the post-release awards season.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.