Plot: What’s it about?
What happens when two old friends, sometimes rivals, are reunited under less than perfect circumstances? In the case of Captain Victor Benezet (Morgan Freeman) and his old attorney chum Henry Hearst (Gene Hackman), it seems as though anything can happen. As fate holds it, the two meet again as Benezet questions Hearst about a police case, in which Hearst was a witness to a murder. These two have a past and it shows, sometimes the friends angle is obvious, while others the two seem like the most bitter of enemies. The conversation begins as a simple gesture to help with the case, but spirals into a very intense session, in which secrets are uncovered, but all are revealed at first. Through memories and stories, a sheet of the past begins to take form, which not only sheds light on this case, but also these two men. As the time passes and the night pushes ahead, what hidden secrets will be revealed and once they’re in the open, what will happen to these men and this most important case?
I’ve wanted to see Under Suspicion ever since I heard Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman shared the screen, so I popped it right into the player once it arrived. I figured the film would revolve around these two and be rather simple, but I was very impressed with how complex the movie turned out to be. I was right about Freeman and Hackman as the center of the film, but don’t think anyone will be bored watching these two work. The writing is tremendous here, which means these two have some excellent material to work with and it shows. Add in some solid supporting roles and a very cool premise and there you go, you’ve got an outstanding overall film. This might not be as flashy as some films, but with an excellent cast and superb material to work with, Under Suspicion delivers on all counts. If you’re looking for a tense film that supplies all the great acting and writing you could want, then pick up this release and I don’t think you’ll be let down. The film is great and this disc is also, which means a rental or purchase is a wise investment.
It is always a treat to see two amazing actors go head to head and with this film, Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman are more than up to the task. These two control the screen here and never falter, which is a real testament to their skills. We’ve seen them both in terrific performances before and it is excellent to see them here, with such solid chemistry and teamwork. Hackman (Hoosiers, The Conversation) turns in his usual outstanding performance, filled with mental anguish and torment. On the other side of the table is Freeman (Se7en, The Shawshank Redemption), who also seems in top form and plays his character to sheer perfection. They shine in their separate turns, but they also provide a very powerful team effort, which is vital to this film. If you want to see two skilled veterans at their best, then Under Suspicion offers you that chance. This is at heart a two man show, but the solid supporting cast here includes Monica Bellucci (Bram Stoker’s Dracula), Nydia Caro, and Thomas Jane (Boogie Nights, Deep Blue Sea). At the helm of this film is Stephen Hopkins, who also directed films such as Lost In Space, Predator 2, The Ghost and The Darkness, Blown Away, and Judgment Night.
Video: How does it look?
Under Suspicion is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, with a full frame edition also included on this dual layered disc. The film has a pretty basic visual style, but it is well captured here and I am quite pleased with the transfer in the end. This is a very clean and sharp image on the whole, with minimal source print flaws and no real problems to discuss. The colors look good and very sharp, no bleeds at all and flesh tones seem normal & consistent also. I think the contrast maintains a proper balance here, no detail loss and that allows the image to open up a lot. I will say that the transfer shows more grain than you might expect, but it doesn’t detract from the film too much. I do wish the grain level was lower, but this is still a very solid visual presentation.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc includes a Dolby Digital 5.1 track and even though this is a dialogue reliant film, the mix is quite immersive and won’t let down the viewers. The film’s musical score is well done and very eerie at times, which is good, since it is so well presented here. No problems with the sound effects either, although you shouldn’t expect to be overpowered, the surround use is a little conservative when compared to more audio based efforts. The dialogue is what counts here and it comes off in fine form, no volume or clarity issues to report in the least. This disc also includes a 2.0 surround track and subtitles in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This is the kind of movie I’d love to know more about, so I am pleased a few extras were packed onto this disc. An audio commentary track with director Stephen Hopkins and actor Morgan Freeman kicks off the list and in truth, I was very taken by this optional audio track. Freeman is so well spoken and Hopkins has a lot to add as well, a very well done and appreciated audio commentary track, I hope for more of this level soon. The disc also houses an eleven minute behind the scenes featurette, some talent files, and the film’s theatrical trailer.
