Under Suspicion
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Movie Reviews of Under Suspicion
Movie Review: An interesting acting tour de force
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm really surprised this movie did not get a decent theatrical release. The story, a cat and mouse game, between Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman is gripping. Monica Bellucci is both beautiful and interesting as Hackman's wife. This forgotten movie is worth a look.Movie Review: Hackman, Freeman, Janes excellent in stagy 'Suspicion'
Summary: 3 Stars
From the way its distributor, Lions Gate, yanked it out of theaters after just a handful of play dates, you'd think Under Suspicion was a disaster. Perhaps from a marketing standpoint, it was. To people who love movies, though, anything starring Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman is worth a look-see, and Under Suspicion, while marred by a few slow spots and a rather weak ending, is no disaster. I can assure you that sparks fly when Hackman and Freeman are on screen together.The setting is present day San Juan, Puerto Rico. Police Captain Victor Benezet [Freeman] is investigating the murders of two young girls. A big problem is that the finger of suspicion points at Henry Hearst [Hackman], who is not only one of the island's most respected citizens, but also an old friend of Benezet's. On the night of a big charity event at which Hearst is the guest of honor, Benezet calls him in for a short question and answer session before the event. The interview turns into a lengthy one in which Hearst's life unravels before his eyes. The plot line concerns two things. The first is whether or not Hearst is guilty. The other is an examination of how brutal an investigation into one's private life can be. With today's high tech police technique's, even the innocent can become the guilty because of other things the process can reveal.
Even though this is not their finest movie, Freeman and Hackman are at their finest. They are the type of actors who do not give a bad performance, regardless of the strengths or weaknesses of the script. Each has always been smart enough to combine a good work ethic with his genius. Also noteworthy is Thomas Jane as Detective Owens, although he is handicapped by having to play a very stereotypical character, the type you are all too happy to see leave the scene. Monica Bellucci, who plays Hearst's much younger wife, is a major star in her native Italy. Her role requires little more of her than standing around looking exquisitely beautiful, which she does extremely well.
I think Under Suspicion is most appealing to those who enjoy a good play. While director Stephen Hopkins does take some advantage of the glorious Puerto Rico scenery, much of the movie takes place in two rooms of the police station. This gives it a stagy feel, which some people do not at all enjoy.
Movie Review: A Good Attempt, But.....
Summary: 3 Stars
'Under Suspicion' is one of those movies which is, to put it honestly, mediocre. It stars two fine actors (Morgan Freeman & Gene Hackman), is quite innovatively directed (by Stephen Hopkins), and has an interesting setting (Puerto Rico during a carnival). The plot, on the other hand, comes across pretty standard.This is basically a police interrogation, familiar to many as it has been rendered time and again on television and in other movies. It is done well, by all involved, but it has also been done before. Hackman and Freeman, and the direction of Hopkins, lift the telling of the tale up a notch, but it still feels like old ground. There has been crime commited (in this case two murders), there is a prime suspect (Hackman), and so he and the overzealous policeman (Freeman) square off for a close-quarters interrogation.
This sort of scenario, though well-worn, can make for a really good movie, so I sat back and soaked it all in. The film kept me riveted throughout, until the ending came along. Now, I am not here to give anything away - don't worry. But what I will say is that the picture suddenly went from its entire focus of a "Did he do it?" interrogation flick to "Let's pause and reflect upon these characters, their lives, their hopes, their troubles, their fears, their desires, their angst" - etc. etc.
A movie which wants to end so poignantly must be sure to make the audience care about the characters. Maybe other viewers did. I did not, as I took this movie as a mystery/thriller. Most mystery/thrillers are simply plot-driven, and I saw no exception with 'Under Suspicion'. In a mystery/thriller, most of the actions taken by the characters are usually scrutinized for how they affect the *plot*, not the characters themselves.
I don't know if I've expressed my thoughts on the matter very well - perhaps not. But my final word on the film is that it is enjoyable and engaging until the last 5-10 minutes. Just be prepared for what some may deem a possibly disappointing ending.
Movie Review: Good acting and an interesting idea don't make for a great film
Summary: 3 Stars
In this crime thriller, based upon the marvellous French film "Garde à Vue," Garde à vue there are a hundred tragedies in the lives of the three principal protagonists, and as we see a man slowly coming to the realization that he is not merely being called into the San Juan, Puerto Rico, police station by his old "friend" the police captain, magisterially played by the infallible Morgan Freeman, we see how a powerful man can be completely destroyed by an unrelenting interrogation. Proof after proof is supplied to show that there can be no question of this man's guilt. With these great actors and such an interesting plot, how can this fail to be a box-office smash?
To begin with, there is absolutely no connection between the human drama unfolding and the time and place of the events, which merely serve to add an element of color to what basically is a three-person drama, four if you want to include the mediocre acting of Freeman's assistant. I believe the producers chose San Juan at Carnival time because they were afraid that audiences would reject a claustrophobic and rather stagey drama which could as easily take place within one single room, anywhere on the planet.
This would have made a great one-hour radio drama or TV movie. Freeman breathes life into his part, but my admired Gene Hackman falls progressively apart somewhat as though this were a play on the London or New York stage. Monica Bellucci is a fascinating and beautiful enigma, whose motives never become clear.
In the final analysis, the film ends up confusing the spectator. Why should we have to go back and see it again, to try to find out what really happened, and how it could possibly have happened? It's a darned shame!
Movie Review: AND THE VERDICT IS....
Summary: 3 Stars
UNDER SUSPICION is definitely worth seeing to bask in the acting talent of Oscar winners Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman. Freeman is once again the good cop, but even he has some skeletons in his closet that Hackman is not afraid to expose. Hackman, meanwhile, exemplifies the socially prominent tax lawyer whose penchant for young women gets him in a lot of trouble. Monica Bellucci is delicious to look at, and has the chops to sustain her role; Thomas Jane adds some gruffness to his somewhat egotistical detective. I found director Stephen Hopkins' "gimmick" of juxtaposing the interrogation with the actual flashbacks a unique and entertaining change of pace; it kept us confused as to whose story to believe. Unfortunately, there are so many contradictions and unanswered questions the movie ultimately fails to satisfy. Coincidences....false confessions...and a surprise murderer only make the movie come across muddled. However, the sharp performances and Hopkins' artful direction held my interest nicely.