Under Suspicion

Most of "Under Suspicion" was very good but ...

A few minor shortcomings have already been noted, such as the use of Brighton locales in 1990 that had changed since 1959 and the up-market house in a setting that was nothing like Sussex (it was in Portmeirion, apparently).

In retrospect the opening scenes seemed implausible - a policeman undertaking surveillance leaving his post for a, extedned sex session with the target's wife.

But the film really fell to pieces in the last 15 minutes or so, with the frenetic house search, that frantic last-second dash to the prison and the later encounter in the prison courtyard that would never have been allowed in real life.

The ultimate twist was a jaw-dropper and made me think back to see if the actions that it revealed could have actually happened. Perhaps watching the film again would enable some of the loose-fitting pieces in the plot jigsaw to mesh, but I have my doubts.

This film is well worthy of your time. If you are into crime movies with more atmosphere than fast action, I mean.

Why Simon Moore didn't direct more, I really don't know. The film is skilfully composed, actors' performances are admirable (with exception of Laura San Giacomo who's acting is under average). Photography is something to appreciate, too.

I was often surprised at how few people know of this title and I am personally always glad when I find such a gem outside of hype area.

I like noir and I like different, yet not bizarre. If you think alike, try this film.

I don't know if this story really belongs on the big screen. It would have been fine as an HBO special or something. However, the performers are better than one would expect in such a venue.

Liam Neeson is so likable, a tall hulking actor, he seems to loom over whatever scene he appears in. And what a face! His skull seems to have no glabella whatever, his nose droops down out of the middle of his forehead, and yet he's handsome too, in a plain, masculine way, kind of like Spencer Tracy -- no glamor boy, but easy to look at. His voice too is appealing, with its Irish grace notes. And he can act too! Unlike so many brutishly big action stars, this guy can project a smelly sweaty fear, and do it without seeming ridiculous or seeming any weaker than the rest of us would be.

Laura San Giacomo is an apt mismatch for Neeson. Here, in this tale set in 1959, her face is wide and her expressive eyes long and thin. She wears so much makeup she's funereally pale and her Chinese red lip rouge suggests a figure from a Dracula movie. She's tiny standing next to Neeson. His presence makes her look even more elfin, as if he could crunch one of her long bones in his fist. She has a smooth and seductive voice that doesn't sound quite believable. It's hard to forget she's acting. But it doesn't detract from her attractivness. She seems never to have found her proper niche in films; neither, for that matter, has Neeson. They both deserve better than they've gotten, with some exceptions.

The plot is about a couple of murders, a near hanging, a strained friendship, a love affair or two, shots ring out, you're not supposed to carry an unlicensed gun in Britain, can I really trust him/her?, and all together has more twists to it than a corkscrew. Towards the end there is an execution scene that is very crudely done but intensely gripping all the same. (The crosscuts are dizzying.)

I won't give away the ending. Ordinarily the resolution of the plot isn't really as important as what's led up to it, but in this case the end is the best part of the film, or at least the most surprising.

Watching this movie wasn't a waste of time. But, Great Merciful Heavens, I'll never go to Brighton on holiday.

Under Suspicion apparently flew completely under the radar upon release in 1991, and that's really not all that surprising. The film is actually a very well done little crime thriller; but it features a very simple plot line and plays out almost like a classic film noir (as opposed to a 'cool' crime thriller in the vein of Goodfellas or Reservoir Dogs), and as a result the film doesn't stand out much. It actually seems like it could have been made for television as most of the cast (Liam Neeson aside) will be recognisable to anyone that has seen a handful of British TV shows and it's very modest all the way through. The film takes place in the fifties and we focus on private detective/disgraced former policeman Tony Aaron. Aaron makes a living through the illegal practise of faking affairs in order to beat the strict divorce laws. He begins using his wife for these capers; but is given a shock when his wife and a client are found dead in their room. An investigation into the killings ensues, with our detective as the prime suspect.

The plot is definitely this film's main strongpoint, and it is carried off well. Director Simon Moore does a good job of getting his audience interested in the characters, which allows him to weave the simple, but twisted tale. Liam Neeson won some award for his portrayal of the central character, and it is a really good performance. This sort of role can often be difficult for actors to play because the character is essentially scum, but we do feel for him; and this is thanks to the charismatic and warm performance. The ensemble cast is rather impressive and, as mentioned, many British viewers will recognise a lot of faces. The mystery is constantly intriguing and we are made to wonder who has committed the crimes. It does have to be said that the final third of the movie not as interesting as the first two; but all in all, this is a well worked and interesting little thriller that is rounded off by a strong ending. I wouldn't recommend anyone goes out of their way to see this film; but it's certainly worth a look if you do find a copy.

Very well acted and filmed this clever, agile suspense thriller won't let you down because of the reason that the intrigue will not allow to switch off your video of DVD player. The place: England, late 50's. The topic: laws of divorce. Adultery. Just take a photograph for evidence. This was forged in order to oblige the spouse to divorce. You only have to find the lover. Tony Aaron (Neeson) was the man who used his wife to simulate adultery. But she will die with a powerful man. The man's misterious lover (Laura San Giacomo) gets in between the case. A battle will start for Aaron to prove that his innocence. Suspense till the end. I rate this movie 9 out 10. Andres.