O Engano

I first saw this film when my children were so small that they consumed my time and energy and things went in one head and out the other. All these years, all I could remember about it was that it was one of those on my list of Movies to See When Your Kids Let You Have Your Sanity Back. That made it particularly fun to watch again recently. Goldie's character is so beautifully understated. She is just one of us, going about her day, until her life changes. You can relate each step of the way. I loved how the camera caught pieces of the truth that she did not, slowly building suspense. This calm elegance perfectly complements John Heard is at his deliciously evil best. The score works beautifully with the plot. Definitely put this on your jump-off-the-couch list.

Dark, somber thriller about an art restorer Adrienne (Goldie Hawn) meeting Jack Saunders (John Heard) and falling in love. They marry, have a kid and are happy--until 6 years (or so) into the marriage he's suddenly killed. Slowly Adrienne discovers her husband wasn't who she thought he was...

Sort of a film noir. Hawn decided to take a chance on a dramatic role. Unfortunately this film fizzled at the box office and Hawn herself later said she made a mistake. I actually like the film. I liked it in 1991 and I still like it now 15 years later. It's got an intricate plot and some very nice directorial touches (some of the scenes were beautiful). Love their apartment too. There was also a very unusual but effective music score and a few nice jolts in the movie too.

The acting varies. Heard is VERY good is his role. Unfortunately Hawn isn't in hers. She's somber, quiet and too restrained. She seems very uncomfortable in the role. She doesn't ruin the movie but she lessens the impact--maybe it's a good thing that she never tried this again. Also I noticed quite a few plot loopholes left dangling after the movie was over. Still I found this engrossing and well-made. Worth catching. I give it an 8.

Goldie Hawn and John Herd aspire to make this a Thrilling Thriller but are Deceived by a Script that Promises much more than it Delivers in Terms of Storytelling or Cinematic Surprises.

Truth is the Story is Unbelievable and Unconvincing with its Contrivances Sabotaging Logic and it "Twists" so Telegraphed that the Result is a Resounding Thud.

It's a Watchable Movie with just Enough Professionalism to Propel it to its Standard Chase Ending that in the Warehouse (Yikes) goes on for ever. Hawn is up for Her Dramatic Turn and Herd is Creepy even when He isn't Playing a Certified Creep, so that Helps.

The Cute as Pie Daughter may have too much Screen Time that gets in the way of the Rhythm, but is Well Cast and She does some Fine Acting of Her Own. She is the Driving Pathos of the Narrative but it is Heavy Handed.

Worth a Watch but be Prepared for Familiarity and Clunkiness. It's all just too Average and Apparent on the Surface to be Totally Satisfying.

I will say this, Goldie Hawn and John Heard did offer up good performances as the leads. The plot was OK, and the dialogue was pretty good, not anything great, just pretty good. The last about 25-30 minutes was very entertaining and fun, the best part of the whole movie. The middle of the movie did kinda drag on a little, that's why it's not getting a higher review. I do suggest the film as a basic thriller, if you're in need of one at some point, although I do think you could find a better one than this. 6/10 for deceived (1991). Not one of Goldie's best, but definitely not terrible. Oh and one more thing, I did enjoy the actress that played Goldie and John's daughter Mary in the film, I thought she did a great job playing her role.

Goldie Hawn has never been a favorite, I must admit, but that is all the more reason to catch her in the one performance where she is not quirky, superfluous or silly.

The theme of this story has been done before, but thanks to a fine performance by John Heard, the character of Jack Saunders is intriguing and foreboding. John Heard is an underrated actor who adds a somewhat mischievous, ominous and sometimes comical overtone to his roles (You may want to watch him in the earlier 1970's film "Chilly Scenes of Winter", and there was also a film short wherein he portrayed Fortunato, in Edgar Allen Poe's "Cask of Amontillado". He was excellent).

Look for Ashley Peldon as the young daughter; Robin Bartlett, who is underused as Heard's estranged mother, and Tom Irwin, as Hawn's colleague from the art museum. The mystery is enough to keep you watching, and overall Heard's performance makes it all worthwhile. 7/10.