About Killing Machine
### Book Blurb
In the shadowy corners of West Belfast, 1973, the murder of an unidentified woman sets off a chilling investigation that unravels a tangled web of corruption and deceit. Detectives George Devenney and Michael Morrison find themselves embroiled in the heart of Northern Ireland’s Dirty War—a clandestine struggle marked by the collusion of security forces with terrorists and a deep-seated network of perversion and blackmail. As they uncover a mole within the political system, their lives are endangered by corrupt officials determined to halt their progress. Killing Machine is a gripping narrative of intrigue and betrayal, where the quest for justice battles against the backdrop of a nation at war with itself.
### Adaptation Pitch
Killing Machine presents a unique perspective on the Northern Ireland Troubles, exploring its international implications in a manner previously untapped in film. This story, the first in a compelling trilogy, offers a rich narrative ripe for adaptation into a series, promising sustained engagement and expansion into broader plotlines and character development.
### Movie Adaptation:
#### Comparative Film References:
– **’71** – Like Killing Machine, this film delves into the Troubles, focusing on a young British soldier caught behind enemy lines, highlighting the intense atmosphere and political complexity.
– **The Crying Game** – This film’s exploration of identity and deception during the Troubles provides a thematic parallel to the deep undercover operations and personal dilemmas faced in Killing Machine.
– **In the Name of the Father** – A film about wrongful conviction during the Troubles, emphasizing the judicial and political corruption, akin to the systemic corruption in Killing Machine.
– **Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy** – Focuses on the hunt for a mole within the British Intelligence, similar to the search for the mole within the political system in Killing Machine.
– **Sicario** – Though set against the Mexican drug war, its intense portrayal of law enforcement entangled with crime echoes the dark alliances in Killing Machine.
#### Executive Producers:
– Kathryn Bigelow (Sicario)
– Rebecca O’Brien (The Wind That Shakes the Barley)
– Peter Morgan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)
#### Suggested Movie Genres:
– **Thriller*** – The core of Killing Machine is its suspenseful unraveling of a complex conspiracy.
– **Drama** – The personal and political conflicts provide deep dramatic potential.
– **Crime** – Central to the plot is the investigation of murder and corruption.
– **Historical** – Set during a real historical conflict, providing context and depth.
– **Mystery** – The search for the mole and the motives behind the murder drive the mystery element.
### TV Adaptation:
#### Comparative TV References:
– **The Fall** – Set in Northern Ireland, this series also explores a complex narrative involving a detective uncovering deep-seated corruption, similar to Killing Machine.
– **Line of Duty** – Focuses on anti-corruption within the police force, mirroring the internal investigation themes in Killing Machine.
– **Bodyguard** – Deals with PTSD and political manipulation, relevant to the psychological and political intrigue in Killing Machine.
– **Homeland** – Involves national security and hidden agendas within the government, akin to the political espionage in Killing Machine.
– **The Americans** – Although set during the Cold War in America, its portrayal of deep cover operations and moral complexities parallels the undercover elements in Killing Machine.
#### Main Showrunners:
– Allan Cubitt (The Fall)
– Jed Mercurio (Line of Duty)
– Alex Gansa (Homeland)
#### Suggested TV Show Genres:
– **Thriller*** – The tension and suspense are ideal for a thriller series format.
– **Drama** – Allows for in-depth character development and complex interpersonal dynamics.
– **Crime** – Central theme involving detectives solving a high-stakes crime.
– **Historical** – Provides a backdrop that enriches the narrative and adds authenticity.
– **Political** – The political intrigue and corruption are pivotal to the storyline.
### Notes:
Killing Machine, with its rich narrative and complex characters, offers substantial material for both film and television adaptation, promising a thrilling exploration of a lesser-seen aspect of the Northern Ireland Troubles.
