Candlestick

The plot line and characterizations in this movie would have been far more entertaining on stage in a dinner theatre!

Each one of the male actors seemed wooden and uncomfortable in front of the camera. The only female actor, Ilsa Ure, seemed perfectly natural and at comfort before the camera. This conflict between the actors made the movie seem very stagy and at practice.

The plot line is full of holes as Jack weaves the setting for the evening to create the perfect murder. Above all the many holes, why send the uncle down the street to call the police? It wasn't logical and was a forced scene just so Jack could have his lengthy soliloquy. There are others such as when Frank said "Jack wouldn't lie" at that Vera would have heard alarm bells.

Not a bit suspenseful nor clever.

Candlestick by it's name alone, instantly brings to mind the game of Clue along with an old-fashioned British murder mystery and the ultimate question of "whodunnit?" Although, in this film it's more about the unfolding twists and turns than a simple classic whodunnit.

No drafty old mansions for this movie, filmed on a one set location in the style that brings to mind some of Hitchcock's oldies but goodies -- this is a contemporary murder mystery beautifully filmed in a contemporary setting.

The cast is excellent, performing in the theatrical British style required -- while the film score is outstanding!!! Writer/ Director Christopher Presswell and Co- Writer Andres Forgacs have created an extremely impressive film on an Indie budget!!! Kudos indeed!!!

Director/Co-Writer Christopher Presswell has created cat and mouse game in the style of Alfred Hitchcock. It's a drawing room suspense film built around a handful of high quality actors and a malevolent conceit.

The invitees to a small gathering are rocked by an accusation of infidelity, and the ensuing events play out with style. Both the shooting and the soundtrack have a classic clever suspense film feel.

Also, Candlestick deliberately references the idea of board games both with the game played in the movie and the title itself, which hearkens back to Clue, the classic murder mystery game.

I hope Presswell keeps working in the genre, making intelligent suspense films like this.

I saw this movie on a wet Sunday in a movie theater in London. The cinema was packed, not because of the weather, but to see the second movie of 'boy wonder' Chris Presswell', a twenty five year old working class boy from Enfield who has got off the dole and become one of England's brightest young directors. Is the movie good? Yes, it is surprising good and reminds me of early Soderberg. Not everyone's taste, but there is a brain at work there pushing the audience to think about the story rather than the pizza they are going to have after the show. If you are a young filmmaker then you could learn from this guy who is an obvious fan of Hitchcock, but who also has integrity. Will Hollywood come and make this kid shoot bang-bang-you're-dead stuff for them? I hope not, and anyway, Chris Presswell already has his own ideas about how to kill people on screen. A good second movie for a kid from nowhere, I can't wait to see what he'll do with some real cash to spend.

We really liked this thriller. Some people might find the writing and acting a little "arch", but if you realise that the film is clearly a reference to some classics, it works very well. There are clear nods and homages to Hitchcock, such as Rope, Psycho and Vertigo, but the film also has a real Ealing/Gainsborough Studios feel to it that adds another layer of entertainment. A cinephile's gem.