Dead by Sunset

"Dead by Sunset" has a "Movie of the Week" look about itself. It is surprising to read some comments to IMDb as to the length of the movie, when it was a sort of mini-series on television to begin with. The film was shown on Starz Mystery recently. The fact it was based on a novel by Ann Rule we had read, made us watch it.

As directed by Karen Arthur, the film offers some good moments. The story is based on a real incident, that happened in Oregon. Since it was filmed on the original locations, "Dead by Sunset" offers some glorious views of Portland and its suburbs.

We are introduced to the Cunningham family. Right away, one realizes there's a problem with Brad, the intense husband of Cheryl, a lawyer with a major firm. Our suspicions are confirmed by a series of incidents staged by Brad in order to make his wife appear as a bad mother because she has custody of their three children.

When Sara, a doctor, is introduced to Brad by a mutual friend, she has no idea who this man is, or the role he will play in her life. Brad, who is a misogynist, has been brought up by his macho father to hate women and never to trust them. Brad's own mother was cut from his life and he has grown to resent her, which is the same contempt he feels for Cheryl, the mother of his three sons.

The film has some good moments because of the acting Ms. Arthur got from her cast. The three principals, Ken Olin, Annette O'Toole, and Lindsay Frost, make good appearances in the film.

This is a surprise mystery/suspense film which portrays the sad and realistic true story of Bradley Cunningham, an abusive husband who was married five different times, and was charged with the murder of his fourth wife (well-portrayed by Annette O'Toole).

Cunningham had three young sons, and each performance in this film is very sympathetic (they each had red hair like their murdered mother).

The film is well done in that we see Cunningham's initial relationship with O'Toole, how it becomes increasingly sadistic (he cheats on her uses the children as pawns, and she reports his business to the IRS). Then the developing relationship with Lindsay Frost (who just happens to be a successful surgeon) Brad's estranged sister mentions; Brad was always planning, people are objects, they belong to him. A clear portrayal of a narcissistic personality.

There is a scene with John Terry as O'Toole's attorney/colleague; he is attempting to charge Cunningham with the crime in civil court, since the initial evidence wouldn't stand in criminal court. He meets Lindsay Frost (who is now Cunningham's fifth wife, as yet unaware of what he is capable of). He mentions to her that Cunningham has been married many times, has the victim's diary, and wants her to learn the reality of the situation.

Given the subject matter, this is very well-done. So many other films tackling this subject seem over the top, or become laughable (i.e. there was one LMN movie in particular with Janine Turner; can't recall the name) Frost's performance is also excellent, and sympathetic as she rescues Cunningham's sons from his further lies and manipulations. Based on the true crime novel by Ann Rule (who also wrote the book "The Stranger Beside Me", "Before he wakes" and several other true crime books) This film is well worth watching. 8/10.

This film portrays a sick young man who was abused as a child and grew up hating the mother image, he would marry women only to eventually torture and did everything evil he could to make their lives a daily living Hell. He tired to poison his children's minds against their mother and this went on from one wife to another. Ken Olin(Brad Cunningham),"' Till There Was You",'97, did an outstanding acting performance and Annette O'Toole was a great supporting actor through out the entire film. Ken Olin had a very high I.Q. but it seemed all this knowledge was directed toward being Evil and Hateful! Olin even defended himself in a court of law like other well known killers! I did notice that the music in some scenes where there was some romance goings on in a shower, the music sounded very much like "BODY HEAT", with a sexy trumpet player going wild! If you ever see signs like this in your marriage, run for the back door and keep RUNNING!

I especially enjoyed this movie because it was set in the two areas in which I spent most of my adult life (Portland's west side and Lake Oswego). I recognized all of the settings and could personally relate to them. I especially enjoyed the acting of Mike Shinn who I know is very believable playing the part he played and also in the setting in which he played it. I find this to be one of my favorite suspense thrillers. The character played by Ken Olin, Brad Cunningham, in my opinion, was very well-portrayed; Any man who could do what HE did, would NOT be a man with warmth!!! The horrible way he was treated in his childhood made him the way he was. I feel this is a lesson for parents who may still be clueless not realizing the effect of their treatment of their children.

I saw only the 1st part just last night. I didn't realize there was another part so I don't know how it ends!!! How does he come to trial and what happens to him? I think Annette O'Tool is absolutely dynamic but the lady doctor's personality is lacking something. I don't recall what year this actual event took place, does anyone know? I may have to read the book to get more details, but the move was excellent. I will watch it again.It's hard to believe there are people in this world like him. I wonder if the book goes into more detail about his own father and his relationship to his wife. And, the boys he had, I wonder what kind of life they are living now.