First set images from The Legend of Barney Thomson, starring Emma Thompson

June 11th 2014, 9:40am

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Robert Carlyle, who indulged in cannibalism in front of the camera in the cult classic RAVENOUS, is enterting the grotesque and comically absurd world of the serial killer, only this time he'll be behind the camera.

Myriad Pictures announced that principal photography has begun in the UK on the dark horror comedy THE LEGEND OF BARNEY THOMSON, which marks the directorial debut of RAVENOUS and 28 WEEKS LATER actor Robert Carlyle. Above you will see the first set image, featuring Carlyle in directing mode, and below you'll find another set pic featuring the films slate.

Based on the novel THE LONG MIDNIGHT OF BARNEY THOMSON from author Douglas Lindsay, the film will star two-time Academy Award winner Emma Thompson (HARRY POTTER series), Ray Winstone (NOAH, THE DEPARTED), and Carlyle, who will play the title role. The script was adapted for the screen by BAFTA award-winner Colin McLaren ("Donkeys") and Richard Cowan. Myriad Pictures is handling worldwide sales on the film.

In The Legend of Barney Thomson, Carlyle plays the title character, a downtrodden Glaswegian barber who inadvertently stumbles into serial murder, with both absurd and macabre consequences. Complicating matters further, Barney’s formidable mother Cemolina (Thompson) cheerfully emasculates him at every turn, causing a bloody and comedic chain of events. While Barney clumsily tries to cover his tracks, Glasgow police inspector Holdall (Winstone) fights his own battles within his inept homicide department as he tries to solve the crime of the century. A black comedy of errors unfolds as the police try to capture the murderer at large.

New additions to THE LEGEND OF BARNEY THOMSON cast are Brian Pettifer (VANITY FAIR), Sir Tom Courtney (THE GOLDEN COMPASS), Martin Compston (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE CREED), James Cosmo, Ashley Jensen, as well as Kevin Guthrie and Stephen McCole.

The Legend of Barney Thomson is currently shooting in and around the Glasgow area.