Malice - Il sospetto

...see this first! The Operation (1990) (TV) (From the IMDB listing)

Duplicity reigns supreme as a doctor (Joe Penny) in a messy, emotional divorce from his wife (Kathleen Quinlan) who is also his partner in a medical clinic is suddenly slapped with a $7 million malpractice suit by a patient (Lisa Hartman).

Except for Bill Pullman being the Hartman character's husband instead of Quinlan as the Dr.'s wife the stories were identical! Kind of spoiled the suspense when I realized it. Was this originally from a book? How did Sorkin, McCord and Frank get writing credit for this, anyway?

Becker's 'Malice' is a little bit of a mixed bag. First of all, there are two stories that hardly have anything to do with each other, one being about a serial killer raping and murdering collegegirls and another about a married couple and a doctor. Sorkin is a gifted writer as is evident in his work for TV but somehow the plot of 'Malice' is a bit contrived, messy and the screenplay lacks depth. The story would have been far more effective if the characters were better developed. There are plenty of twists and suspense but the surprise turns are a little out of place and it is hard to understand the motivation behind the characters' actions. For instance, why would Kidman's character allow herself to get so severely ill and risk her own life in the hands of someone else? Yet, 'Malice' is an entertaining thriller. The plot might be confusing at times but the performances are good, the dialogues are solid and it is technically well executed. The soundtrack flows well and some of the visuals are brilliant. Nicole Kidman is wonderful in spite of a poorly written character. Bill Pullman is great as the naive, passive, boring, pushover husband. Alec Baldwin, who plays Andy's counterpart is equally good. The supporting cast includes talented names life Anne Bancroft, Peter Gallagher, Gwyneth Paltrow and Bebe Neuarth but their screen time is limited. Bancroft stands out followed by Neuwarth and Gallagher. Overall, 'Malice' is a good enough fun watch if one is looking for something with a little but of suspense, clever dialogue and good acting but there's not much else to look forward to.

Malice is a very gripping mysterious thriller! The opening scene's haunting music will stay with you forever and draw you into a roller coaster ride of suspense, drama, and deceit.

The film revolves around a couple who's lives become interwoven by a mysterious and arrogant surgeon who manipulates and cons his way into their lives with little surprises around every turn. Harold Becker's directing is superb in setting the mood and pacing of the film. There are dramatic moments and secrets in the story that will keep you captivated until the very end. Watch for outstanding performances by Alec Baldwin, Nicole Kidman, and Bill Pullman, as well as a powerful supporting role by Ann Bancroft.

Malice is very difficult to review without giving away parts of the movie, so I will not go into great detail. It's the uncertainties in the movie that make it one to remember. See it, you will not be disappointed! The background musical score is one of the most memorable that I have heard in any movie. Malice is a tale of arrogance, power, mystery, and deception, that must be seen and will be long remembered after the final credits roll.

This is a very fine film that does not get the credit that it deserves!

This is an intriguing thriller with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. It's hard to describe the plot and it's better that way. Bill Pullman and Nicole Kidman give great performances. Alec Baldwin is one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood and deserved great praise for his astonishing portrayal here.

I loved Anne Bancroft in this.

She's good in anything

but she was wonderfully wicked in this. A deliciously smart and nasty boozy mommy. I miss her as an actress and as a great human being. Nobody's quite like Anne Bancroft. She will be missed by people like me who love her. She's like the spider with the fly with she's talking with Kidman's hubby who just doesn't get the situation. Bancroft brings enormous power to this character. She's got to be one of the most extraordinary women actresses of our time. She's right up there with Streep and other greats.