Movie Minx

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway
Directed by: Roman Polanski

Plot: A private detective investigating an adultery case stumbles on to a scheme of murder that has something to do with water.

But is it any good?

This had been on my must-see list for a long time, but I must admit to being a little disappointed. It has a great plot, so long as you don’t mind the fact that it’s bloody depressing, but you end up trying so hard to keep up with its constant twists that I never really felt involved.

The intrigue begins when Jake (Nicholson) the detective is asked to investigate a high profile man’s suspected adultery. The man’s wife visits him, pleads with him to take on the case and insists that she needs to know the truth. Jake goes ahead, but discovers the real wife is someone else entirely. And so begins the unravelling mystery.

Nicholson plays this one pretty calmly - he’s cool, mysterious and determined to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Faye Dunaway is always perfect as the ice-cool maiden, and you don’t have any idea what she’s really hiding until her relevation right near the end. I liked how certain things were hinted at and foreshadowed, such as when Dunaway leans her head on the car’s horn by accident.

It was a little too long for my tastes, but the ending really comes as an abrupt shick and it’s what makes this movie so memorable. It’s a brave ending, and may frustrate some for its refusal to wrap everything up prettily. But no spoilers - see it for yourself. I’m going to watch this film noir again, as it clearly benefits from multiple viewings. If my opinion changes, I’ll post an update.

IMDb’s rating: 8.5/10
My rating: 7.5/10

Next movie to be reviewed: LA Confidential

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