Lethal Mistake - Bis zum letzten Atemzug

As far as such "psychological" whodunits go, this one had an OK story-line based on a realistic premise. Unfortunately, the acting was poor, and here I am particularly referring to Luke Wilson in the main role of Preston. He was never really convincing as the "cheated husband" out to avenge both his wife's murder AND the fact that he was cheated in the first place. He tried too hard, as I think someone else also pointed out in a previous comment. Dennis Farina was fair enough in his role as the private Dick (though clearly stereotyped), and overall I liked the way Norman Reedus played the Jonathan character (despite cozing up with somebody else's wife, he turned out to be not exactly a 100 per cent nasty person but actually an interesting character study in himself). Although having said that, there were a couple of things he did over the top ... like setting himself on fire, and walking around with the crucial video-tape in his pocket all along(!)

I picked up this film on DVD titled as Bad Seed, because I was in the mood for a mystery and the fact that Luke Wilson and Dennis Farina starred in it.

At first, I found things to be a bit standard as far as "thrillers" go, almost on the level of a basic TV movie. But something really starts to draw the viewer in and by watching through to the end, there is really a nice payoff.

Don't try to compare this to Hitchcock, just sit back and let the story unfold. When Preston (Luke Wilson) hears his wife confess to having an affair, he storms out to a cafe and when he comes back home he finds her dead. By trying to confront her lover Jonathan (Norman Reedus), things get way out of control, even hiring a private detective (Dennis Farina) proves to make a messy situation even worse. It's easy to say these guys do a LOT of stupid, stupid things (like busting up a motel room) and one would think that in reality no one would make such bad decisions, but I took into consideration that people really act in the strangest ways when confronted with a situation that's extraordinary and no time to really think things through. Preston has his flaws, but he's really an okay guy, as is Jonathan. By appreciating the quiet desperation and increasing tension between them, along with the effective rainy locations in Tacoma and Seattle, the film is somber yet tense.

I actually love grey, rainy landscapes -- to me they're calming instead of gloomy. But considering the sadness in Preston's life and both he and Jonathan (as well as the detective) knowing that no matter what they do it's going to end rather messy, the wet greys of the sky and deep greens of the Northwest accent the film in a very melancholic way. The score is beautiful in many scenes, and rather grand for a film of this type made today (particularly one with such a low budget). Actually, the dramatic cues seemed a bit too grand in places, but it reminded me of how mysteries and thrillers back in the 1970s used to have full orchestral scores instead of everything being done on an electronic keyboard. Some very nice piano work, wish I had a soundtrack recording of it.

I know that some would just get fed up with these characters' behavior and think that the film just going to have a typical knock-down, drag-out fight to end it all, but I for one was pleasantly surprised to see the way the story took a turn and threw in a twist here and there. Even the ending seemed just right (even if it gives you a Shawshank Redemption deja vu moment). I felt a little sad yet satisfied by the turn of events, as is how I truly think the ending is supposed to affect you. After listening to the audio commentary on the DVD, you may also appreciate more what writer/director Jon Bokenkamp was trying to accomplish.

Not a perfect film, but by no means a misfire. I found Preston Tylk/Bad Seed to be a nice diversion from the common Hollywood "thriller" and would recommend it for those not wanting grandiose style and wanting a dramatic tale, something just right to watch with some snacks on a night at home, relaxing.

Pick this movie up for its content, plot, and up and coming stars. Pretend this movie is "Fugitive" for people who think Harrison Ford is, justifiably so, too old.

Luke Wilson portrays the angst-ridden, quasi-loser, nice-guy-finishes-second last in a way only he can. He is the victim of a boring, cheating wife, a slice d' la ass in Mili Avital, who detaches from the marriage for Norman Reedus, the Prada model turned unwashed actor. Norman really takes the movie cinematography to a new level with his brilliant and piercing blue eyes - boring down on real or imagined foes with great alacrity and recompence.

The man for whom Oscar's are no stranger, a thespian in every sense of the word, none other than Dennis Farina - the shrewd and wise Miami cop turned private eye in Seattle. Dennis may have been strong in Saving Private Ryan and Get Shorty, but dominates this movie with his composure and sleuth skills.

Even the extras are true to life. During one particular scene when the chase begins, Wilson is seen eating in a low end diner. Stereotypically, the cook looks like a bitter old cook, the Seattle locals look grungy and flannel-clad, and the policeman looks like an FBI agent.

Overall, a strong recommendation for a Friday night at home. You won't be dissapointed with the chase, plot, and eventual outcome.

Another movie that makes you nostalgic for the studio system. In a former era Mr. Bokencamp would have been assigned a film like this, struggled to put his stamp on it and come away with, if not a great film, at least a journeyman's knowledge of how a film works. So called independent films like this one, and there seem to be plenty of them, have no particular vision, say nothing that couldn't have been said by a studio hack and strive awkwardly to transcend their genres, revealing only the callowness of their creators. To be sure, Mr. Bokencamp is thwarted by his lead who was not up to the demands of this role but appealing as his relationship with the detective might have been had Mr. Wilson been capable of bringing it off, it really has no place in film noir anyway. If you soft boil this genre it turns to mush.

This movie is about obsession, salvation and finally redemption. A loving but absent husband,(Luke Wilson) is told by his wife that she is having and affair,leaves to think things out only to return and discover his wife is dead. He is now the main suspect and needs to find the real killer. In his journey of exploration,hires the private dick, Dick, excellently portrayed by the awesome Dennis Farina. The lover engages the husband in an intricate cat and mouse game that ultimately comes to a shocking discovery. But mostly this film is about normal people when put under pressure do just about anything and think it is reasonable at the time. What makes this one different is that when all is said and done one man makes a choice that will change his life forever.