The great classic Scottish novel The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg (1824) is a compelling account of religious fanaticism, mental disintegration, demonic haunting and serial killings set in early 18th Century Scotland
Edinburgh 1707. Brought up by a strict Calvinist minister, Robert Wringham believes he is one of the elect, predestined for salvation while all others – including his real father and brother – are cursed.
Convinced he is indestructible and above the law, Robert commits terrible crimes under the influence of Gil-Martin – his sometimes physical double – who claims they are acting in God’s name to purify the world. But does this mysterious tempter actually exist? Could he in fact be an agent of the devil? Or even worse..?
Subversive and unsettling, the script is set in a world of intense religious and political turmoil. A world where fanatics will kill and die for their extreme beliefs. A world not unlike our own today.
This sumptuously dark and terrifying novel is currently being adapted for the screen and will be directed by the highly admired Gillies MacKinnon.
Supported in development by British Film Institute, Creative Scotland and the MEDIA Programme.