La rivière du crime

THE RIVER MURDERS amazed me. I came across this title quite by chance when I was researching Ray Liotta in IDENTITY. Fascinated by his work this movie seems quite tempting and the title had a certain element of eerie chill into it. Although it is a hunt for a serial killer who is on the move, THE RIVER MURDERS brings in a biblical connotation to its plot. Although the biblical implication is not well conveyed through the climax of the thriller, the social impact that drives a sane man into being a serial killer as John Lee (Michael Rodrick) is an appropriate theme that needs discussion. Although I entirely disagree with how the movie end. Why? The answer is quite a simple one. An incident of the past drives a child into a certain psychological state that manifests into a greater issue with maturity. This child who becomes a serial killer is then later the criminal. Why is it that those who did the wrong deed at first are not being questioned? Should they not be equally responsible for the outcome of their actions? There is quite a significant depth to the theme discussed in this production, however it is poorly executed. In terms of potential it's exuberant; in terms of execution and presentation it lacks certain finesse.

This movie is clearly not for those who buy there movie tickets by looking at the celebrities on the poster or for those who search for a teaser trailer that has cost as much as the entire production itself. If you have enjoyed the following movies, I am certain you will appreciate this. TRUST, THE WAY BACK, SCHINDLERS LIST, THE WORLDS FASTEST Indian are a few movies right from the tip of my tongue. If you have watched and noted any of the following titles it is most certain, that this production is a good choice on a slow weekend.

One may question why I have not mentioned what this heated theme is, the answer is simple, the theme on its own creates the thriller and the suspense, hence for the benefit of those who will show interest in the movie it will not be discussed.

Detective Jack is a suspect in a murder, since he has a history of sexual relations with the victim. Detective Jack who is married for the past8-9 years is requested by Captain Langley to surrender his badge and gun until his name has been cleared by the authorities. Meanwhile Agent Vuckovitch of the FBI who is trailing the serial killer comes into town in pursuit only to find out that every single victim seem to have had sexual relations with Detective Jack during some point of their lives. What the authorities are unable to find out is if all this is coincidental or if all this is a well-crafted killing spree targeting all ex companions of Detective Jack? If it is a well-crafted killing spree would it put Detective Jacks wife Ana in danger? How will a detective who is suspended off the force pending clearance for the murders protect his wife? Will he be reinstated in time? Will the arrogance of the FBI result in the death of Ana?

Title: The River Murders Directed by: Rich Cowan Starring: Ray Liotta, Christian Slater, Ving Rhames , Gisele Fraga, Sarah Ann Schultz& Michael Rodrick Rated: R Rating: 06/10

Okay, there's been a plethora of serial murder type movies in the last 20 years. Is this just another one ? Probably. It's not exactly ground breaking but it is fast paced and keeps you guessing. It is unique in some ways because although it exposes the killer fairly early on it conceals their motive until late in the movie. I've always considered Ray Liotta a 'B Grade' actor, guilty far too often of merely reading his lines and showing fake emotion. Whilst there are times when he's guilty of these shortcomings again in this movie, his performance for most part is solid and convincing. The support cast is equally strong and the underrated Christian Slater also shines but is sadly lacking in screen time. A haunting soundtrack and tight dialogue makes for enjoyable movie if the genre is your thing. Recommended viewing 8/10

I love Ray Liotta (Goodfellas...). There is something about his eyes and his interpretation of text that plants him in the garden of good actors. Ving Rhames and Christian Slater are not slouches; they both have a body of work that they can be proud of.

The film has shortcomings but I want to compliment the actors, crew, and artists involved. It's hard to hit the ball out of the park every time but they suited up and did the best they could.

What I see is a script that had quite a few voices that had to be placated in order for the film to be made. There are too many levels of intellect and articulation. Nobody edited the script. The script teeters uncomfortably between genres; the director creates a new sub-genre of pornography at times and then the contextual shots want to make the film artsy. Crime-Porn? I guess.

The script isn't even really that insufferable. The problem is with he pacing, the camera work, the editing, and the dumbing down of EVERY element--! Nobody looks good...and if no one looks good what's the point?

THE RIVER MURDERS BASIC PLOT: Jack Verdon (played by Ray Liotta ) has been a cop for 28 years, when out of nowhere, the women in his life, both past and present, are being murdered. At first it seems to be just a coincidence, but it quickly becomes evident, someone is targeting every woman Jack has ever slept with.

After two murders, the FBI is called in and assigns Agent Vuckovitch (played by Christian Slater) when it becomes clear that a serial killer is involved. Jack's life is painfully laid bare, and because he waited until later in life to marry, he's had many sexual partners. It's a race against time, trying to protect them all, and figure out who the killer could be, and what are his motives.

WHAT DOES WORK: *Christian Slater is fantastic as the sardonic, politically incorrect FBI agent. He pulls off his zingers with perfection.

*Ving Rhames is very believable as police Captain Langley who stands by Jack through it all.

*Sarah Ann Schultz does a great job as Jack's partner, Jenny Thames. She has many intense scenes, and is authentic in all of them.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: *Ana Verdon (Played by Gisele Fraga ) is Jack's wife. She is younger, and really doesn't fit. I'm sure Gisele Fraga is a fine actress, but miscast in this role. She and Liotta have no chemistry, and this is a problem, since much of the story is sexual in nature. Many scenes that should be emotionally fraught, are acted as if the two of them have just met (instead of being a married couple of 8 years).

*A few of Liotta's scenes seem forced. What's supposed to be an emotional moment at Jack's mother's grave falls flat.

*Some of the music\score is an odd choice. Some of it is a horror movie score, and the rest is just odd. I think they were going for a "spiritual" sounding score, but it just comes off wrong.

TO RECOMMEND OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IT THE QUESTION: If you are a fan of thrillers, serial killer plot lines, and mysteries in general, then I would recommend this movie. It is graphic, so if you are more of a cozy mysteries type of person, I'd give this a pass. But if you like gritty, no punches pulled thrillers, you'll probably like this one.

CLOSING NOTES: *I don't believe in trigger warnings except in the case of rape or animal abuse. This movie does contain graphic depictions of rape, so be forewarned.

*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews. Hope I helped you out.

I have to admit I'm not a big fan of Ray Liotta's. I've seen him in a lot of films, but usually in a co-starring or secondary capacity, and usually as a psycho, but the trailer looked good (don't they always?) so I watched this one.

The River Murders is surprisingly good. Liotta does a decent job portraying an aging cop victimized by a serial killer for some unknown reason. His character is mostly believable (100 women? Really? And you remember all of their names?) as he looks into reasons why his past lovers are suddenly being killed off. Severely underused actors Christian Slater and Ving Rhames go along for the ride as an FBI agent who thinks Liotta's the one killing the women, and his boss, who suspends him pending further investigation.

Although you figure out early who the real killer is the movie keeps you guessing the reasons why until the end and, even though he's a little over the top religiously, is believable.

This isn't the greatest movie you'll ever see, and it does have it's flaws, but you won't walk away thinking you killed an hour and a half for nothing.