Touches You

Thanks for the memories!

Best movie ever!

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

A sense of class and sophistication prevails with dominance in this free remake of "Dial M for Murder" (1954), qualities also present in the Hitchcock film but this one has a sexier and bold quality that appeals to current audiences. Whatever the case, both films are outstanding in their own ways. Simple and safe, without many complex layers to its plot, Michael Douglas plays a problematic yet controlled rich man who wants to kill his wife (Gwyneth Paltrow) and he asks her lover (Viggo Mortensen) to do the job, but it all gets messy when the man hires a third part for the task who fails with his service. In terms of thrills and chills, "A Perfect Murder" brings back all the energy Andrew Davis has given us with his greatest film, the classic "The Fugitive". Each scene goes by and you wonder what's gonna happen next, the excitement is there, positively enjoyable and never losing the rhythm. A gifted master in creating the perfect scenario for all the intrigue, the plan and the murders, Davis uses of elaborated sequences that rings a Hitchcock touch but with better effect and not so showy like some of Brian De Palma's homages. Shots and plans are in that way for a reason (close-up of a random object that later on reveals its importance) and their use are simply great. Watch more than once and you'll know what I'm talking about. It gets better at each view. As for the cast, he got it right again. You love to hate Michael Douglas in those roles, effortless but completely magnetic, powerful and with a certain charm that captivates the whole way through. Like Ray Milland in that classic, you sort of like want this man to succeed with his frightening plans. Gwyneth is there because no one else then could fit the role with that measured sweetness. I tried to look back at the female stars of the 1990's and couldn't think of one name that could adapt well into that criteria as the Hitchcockian blonde, in this case a more vulnerable one. Viggo has all the right qualities to play the third man, the young artist/lover with a mysterious past inclined to serve the money coming from his "enemy" instead of saving the love of his life. However, the performance that steals the show is the one given by David Suchet as the detective behind the case. Usually the villain or playing Hercule Poirot, Suchet carries a weight that works with a sense of amazement and reality, with a character dealing with some internal problems that are seen by Gwyneth's character with thoughtful respect - their exchange in a foreign language is pure charm and greatness. Today's thrillers don't have the same quality and class "A Perfect Murder" has. It's all about being fast, furious and more edgy in certain aspects, and that doesn't always work, it usually makes it look poor developed. Rewatching this film was like rediscovering a time and a genre that didn't need constant plot twists to make it more effective - it had some but they're all brilliantly executed. Call me nuts but there's pure excellence in this film. Too bad that Mr. Davis never got back on top like that again. But I still hope for more. 10/10

Murder, deception, violence, lovers, lies, intrigue.....oooh, it's a delicious premise. This is a hard film to review. I don't have a lot to say, so it'll be short :) Pros: The acting was excellent. Micheal Douglas was as brilliant as always; creepy and commanding as the husband trying to keep his head above water and being prepared to use whatever means necessary to do so. Gwyneth Paltrow gave a strong performance as his innocent- turned-woman-with-a-plan wife, and Viggo Mortensen was also very good as the lover who had more on his mind than just a tumble in bed. - The cinematography was very fitting to the tight, beautifully chilly atmosphere. When there was music, it was great; and certain scenes were so perfectly enhanced by it, I got goosebumps. - The script was definitely clever, and the tension increased solidly. It was exciting :) Cons:The start was a bit slow and slightly random. Throughout the movie, references are made to Steven and Emily being a perfect couple on the outside & in view of society and yet inwardly they're struggling with scandal and distrust, but I personally would have preferred more 'backstory' and grounding before the plot launched into the actual thriller aspect. It is a thriller, yes, so it will head straight for the action, but I think that theme (trust no one; no one is as they seem ) would have come across stronger if the story had started with a better set-up. - The ending was VERY disappointing. Steven and Emily had their confrontation, but it was far too quick and easy. In addition, it lacked intelligence, wit, and 'went down without a fight' so to speak. It also ended without certain things being resolved properly. I did really enjoy this film, but the ending let me down.

I'm gonna give it a 9, to fix a bit the bad IMDb score. I think this movie is underrated - in my opinion mainly because it's a remake of a Hitchcock classic. People think that "No one should mess with Hitchcock, because they are going to just fail compared to him". This may be true, but I think this movie is underrated. For starters, it does not have the same plot - not even close. There are many surprises for people who have seen the original Hitch movie. In fact, they are essentially a different movie, the main plot line is very different. Only the theme is similar. It has also very good acting by three of the main actors, plus lot of suspense. It kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. This comes from a person who has seen the original Hitchcock movie dozen of times. People shouldn't rate movies badly, because they are remakes (or sequels). If they bring something new to the table, they are justified. You don't have to reinvent the wheel every time, composers and musicians take influences from old music all the time, then they add SOMETHING new, but something in hit songs is always familiar and done before. Having influences is not necessarily a bad thing.

All clean, slick, and shiny on the surface, the Marriage between this filthy rich Couple is only cosmetic. Neither is happy and just below the surface, but not far enough, the sense is that something bad is going to happen in the next two hours.In the first Scene there is something bad happening, Adultery, but that's neither here nor there. Money is the thing. Having it, not having it, having it but wanting more and so on. So there is Murder afoot. A not so perfect Murder as it turns out and then things become somewhat interesting with twists and turns.It is these twists that keep this melancholy affair from falling asleep to just drowsiness. The Villain keeps things awake with some diabolical scheming against these spoiled Upper Crust types and it is He who garners the most attention. Mostly because Mr. and Mrs. La-Dee-Da are as dull as dishwater. So this ends up being a tepid Movie when it could have been scalding.