I didn't know what to expect going into Sleuth.
I don't want to give too much away as far as the storyline goes, but it's the kind of story that will keep you attached to your TV screen the entire time. Why?
Because the film is about one man who goes to see his wifes much older ex-husband. Actually, the older ex-husband is STILL legally married to the woman as the younger guy finds out, and this leads to one of the most delightfully presented and interesting mystery movies I've seen in a while because the two men obviously dislike each other and they both want the woman for themselves. The story is about the two of them playing serious games with each other. Head games basically.
I'm not sure if the two men even realized ahead of time if their little tricks would work or not, but both characters were witty and intelligent and were unable to completely fool each other, which is what made the plot so intriguing.
And the twists? There's many of them. One twist involving the detective totally floored me because I didn't see it coming.
You never actually see the wife though, because the entire movie takes place inside the mansion. A witty storyline to say the least, involving the two main characters and the deadly games they play with each other.
I recommend this movie to those who like to pay close attention to clever storylines, enjoy plot twists, and throw in just enough action to keep your attention.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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First Half Is Excellent, But...
Added 8/6/2009
The remake of "Sleuth" interested me, though I didn't care for the original film because the plot didn't appeal to me, for some reason. However, I saw both versions because I like Sir Laurence Olivier (the greatest Shakespearean actor, director, writer & producer of all time), Joseph Mankewicz (the director of "Cleopatra" and "All About Eve"), Sir Michael Caine, Jude Law ("AI: Artificial Intelligence")and Kenneth Branagh (the greatest Shakespearean actor, writer, director & producer after Sir Laurence Olivier), respectively. I also like the score by Patrick Doyle (brilliant composer). This is why I saw the remake.
The first half of this film is very well-paced and dialogue is bloody sharp and witty and I couldn't bloody well understand why I didn't like it the first time I saw it. Then, I saw why again about 15 minutes ago as I saw the rest. SPOILER WARNING!!!! After a shocking reveal (no kidding), the movie descended into what looked and sounded like gay undertones in the final 20-30 minutes of the film. If so, it's very weird, as Sir Michael Caine swore he'd never do another homosexual scene after the infamous kissing scene in "Deathtrap." SPOILER OVER!!!
All that having been said, it's a...mediocre effort from Kenneth Branagh. I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT ABOUT ONE OF HIS MOVIES. The first half of the movie is excellent, but the second half is very, very, very weird. Rated R, but it should have been rated PG-13.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Rent It, Maybe. Don't Buy It.
Added 7/10/2009
I like both these actors and director, Kenneth Branagh, but I didn't like this film. The dramatic tension peaked early, then ran down hill to a finish that fizzled. I somewhat recall seeing the original, but don't remember it clearly. This film was probably a deeply satisfying endeavor for the actors and director involved, but didn't deliver a very satisfying entertainment experience to me, a member of the audience. I wonder how other audience members felt. I think these two acting titans should perform Slueth live on Broadway where seeing them on stage together would indeed be a much more entertaining, intense and marvelous experience. Maybe they did that already, loved it, and that's why they made the film?
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Bizarre & Quirky Film
Added 7/9/2009
Alright, the acting in this movie is phenomenal! Michael Caine & Jude Law are the only actors in this film and they do a phenomenal job of acting throughout.
The set design and camera work were also equally phenomenal along with the acting as well. Plus the costuming and make-up were good too.
This movie is about revenge and how a successful writer, played by Michael Caine, goes about taking revenge on the man who has an affair and steals away his wife.
Some of the cat and mouse antics taken on by both characters goes a bit overboard in this movie. Otherwise a pretty good film.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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great movie!!
Added 7/2/2009
I just love Jude Law.this is such a great movie full of surprises and a great cast.Lots of intrigue!Wicked and witty.and lots of Jude Law to enjoy......Michael Caine and Jude make a great pair.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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I didn't know what to expect going into Sleuth.
I don't want to give too much away as far as the storyline goes, but it's the kind of story that will keep you attached to your TV screen the entire time. Why?
Because the film is about one man who goes to see his wifes much older ex-husband. Actually, the older ex-husband is STILL legally married to the woman as the younger guy finds out, and this leads to one of the most delightfully presented and interesting mystery movies I've seen in a while because the two men obviously dislike each other and they both want the woman for themselves. The story is about the two of them playing serious games with each other. Head games basically.
I'm not sure if the two men even realized ahead of time if their little tricks would work or not, but both characters were witty and intelligent and were unable to completely fool each other, which is what made the plot so intriguing.
And the twists? There's many of them. One twist involving the detective totally floored me because I didn't see it coming.
You never actually see the wife though, because the entire movie takes place inside the mansion. A witty storyline to say the least, involving the two main characters and the deadly games they play with each other.
I recommend this movie to those who like to pay close attention to clever storylines, enjoy plot twists, and throw in just enough action to keep your attention.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
First Half Is Excellent, But...
Added 8/6/2009
The remake of "Sleuth" interested me, though I didn't care for the original film because the plot didn't appeal to me, for some reason. However, I saw both versions because I like Sir Laurence Olivier (the greatest Shakespearean actor, director, writer & producer of all time), Joseph Mankewicz (the director of "Cleopatra" and "All About Eve"), Sir Michael Caine, Jude Law ("AI: Artificial Intelligence")and Kenneth Branagh (the greatest Shakespearean actor, writer, director & producer after Sir Laurence Olivier), respectively. I also like the score by Patrick Doyle (brilliant composer). This is why I saw the remake.
The first half of this film is very well-paced and dialogue is bloody sharp and witty and I couldn't bloody well understand why I didn't like it the first time I saw it. Then, I saw why again about 15 minutes ago as I saw the rest. SPOILER WARNING!!!! After a shocking reveal (no kidding), the movie descended into what looked and sounded like gay undertones in the final 20-30 minutes of the film. If so, it's very weird, as Sir Michael Caine swore he'd never do another homosexual scene after the infamous kissing scene in "Deathtrap." SPOILER OVER!!!
All that having been said, it's a...mediocre effort from Kenneth Branagh. I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT ABOUT ONE OF HIS MOVIES. The first half of the movie is excellent, but the second half is very, very, very weird. Rated R, but it should have been rated PG-13.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Rent It, Maybe. Don't Buy It.
Added 7/10/2009
I like both these actors and director, Kenneth Branagh, but I didn't like this film. The dramatic tension peaked early, then ran down hill to a finish that fizzled. I somewhat recall seeing the original, but don't remember it clearly. This film was probably a deeply satisfying endeavor for the actors and director involved, but didn't deliver a very satisfying entertainment experience to me, a member of the audience. I wonder how other audience members felt. I think these two acting titans should perform Slueth live on Broadway where seeing them on stage together would indeed be a much more entertaining, intense and marvelous experience. Maybe they did that already, loved it, and that's why they made the film?
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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