Sleuth
Starring: Michael Caine, Jude Law
Director: Kenneth Branagh
The film: What were they thinking? A simple remake of the 1972 thriller that starred Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine would have been one thing. But bringing in playwright Harold Pinter to rewrite the whole thing simply smacks of conceit. And no, guys, you haven't done a better job either.
First time around, back in 1972, Sleuth worked because there was a depth to the characters, thanks to the strength of a screenplay that stuck close to Anthony Shaffer's Tony Award-winning play. Olivier had a certain menace and Caine his usual cocky charm. So the plot - ageing writer discovers his wife is having an affair with a young actor and so seeks his revenge - never asked you to suspend belief.
This time around, unfortunately, the changes that Pinter has made push the boundaries of believability. Caine is solid, taking over from Olivier, but poor old Jude Law is left floundering. His character comes across as more gormless than anything. And while you can excuse any woman for fancying a bit of a tumble with him, whether she'd be willing to give up a life of luxury and security is another matter entirely.