L'art du meurtre

This was a truly bad film. The character "Cole" played by Michael Moriarty was the biggest reason this flopped, the actor felt that conjuring up an unbelievably awkward southern drawl would make this character more evil, it didn't. After about 20 minutes I had wished for a speech therapist to make an appearance, this would have added some sincerity.

• 1) badly acted - 2) unsympathetic characters - 3) razor thin plot line

Yuck!

This movie had potential but it just never gets off the ground. The actors/actresses come across as bored with the script and this results in just a bad movie that is not worth watching. I like Boyd Kestner and seeing his name on the cast was what attracted me to watching the movie. The movie just doesn't work. The nude scenes were unneccessary and could have been deleted completely without losing zilch from an already bad picture.

I saw this movie for the first time this week. I was sadly disappointed. It was the worst I think I've seen in a long time. Poor acting, some of which just didn't get off the ground. Boyd Kestner's character just didn't click. And the nudity scenes could have been deleted because they really didn't add much to the movie.

A decent script with innovative (and believable) plot twists can be found if one dusts away the substandard acting and directing. Sadly, Moriarty appears to be barely able to stand during most scenes. The once beautiful Pakula is too old to play this role, and exhibits the enthusiasm of a beaten mule. Peter Onorati is pedestrian as a villain who should be played as a maniac. Interesting the wish list for casting in this was: Gene Hackman (in Moriarty's role) Alec Baldwin (as Tony) Rachel Ward in Pakula's role, and Willem Dafoe in Onorati's role. (script was written in mid -eighties) The original setting was Charleston, South Carolina, with the principles members of the southern aristocracy.

Worth watching for a smart and sexy performance by Joanna Pacula, which stands out from the otherwise wooden performances , although Peter Onorati, as usual, plays a quirky character well. The plot has several clever twists, but is slow , and the dialogue lacks sparkle . I'd rather rent Body Heat, but wouldn't change the channel if this comes on cable.