Published via Ecency

(source:tmdb.org)

The most dramatic moment in any detective film, at least for those viewers who use their brains or want such films to resemble real life, is a police interrogation. Brothers Jonas and Josh Pate have built their 1997 thriller Deceiver around such scene.

The plot is set in Charleston where high-class prostitute Elizabeth (played by Renee Zellweger) gets brutally murdered and chopped in pieces. Two detectives - educated and seemingly refined Kennesaw (played by Michael Rooker) and inexperienced and not too bright Braxton (played by Chris Penn) - are investigating the case. The only lead is the phone number belonging to James Walter Wayland (played by Tim Roth), son of a local textile magnate. Wayland denies any involvement with the case, but lie detector test tells the opposite. To make things even more complicated, Wayland suffers from epilepsy and likes to drink, which is combination that can lead to violent seizures. But the greatest problem for investigators is Wayland's high level of intelligence and Harvard psychology degree. What was supposed to be routine interrogation turns into dangerous game in which Wayland turns tables on detectives by making hints about their own dirty secrets.

Deceiver has all the ingredients of the low budget film critics tend to rave about - plot set in limited time and space, extensive use of flashbacks and unusual shooting angles, Bill Butler's atmospheric cinematography and, last but not least, a script that plays with the audience's perception of truth. Another good thing about this film is excellent cast - Tim Roth is formidable in the role of manipulative psychopath while Chris Penn and Michael Rooker again prove that they are some of the most dependable character actors of contemporary Hollywood. The best surprise is Renee Zellweger in uncharacteristically dramatic role. However, in an attempt to be one step further than the audience Pate brother went too far and created overcomplicated plot affected with too many logical flaws. All that is revealed in melodramatic and unconvincing ending. However, for the most of its 100 minutes, Deceiver delivers a stylish and intelligent combination film noir and psychological drama.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on October 12th 2004)