Under Suspicion
February 2001 Reviewed by: Doug Schneider Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

It has been a long time since I’ve popped in a DVD and been so engrossed in the story that I never took my eyes off the screen for one moment. Even when it came time to refill my soda I passed on doing so and waited until the credits rolled. Under Suspicion is a surprisingly addictive thriller. There is very little action, just a whole lot of talking. But the tension mounts in ways that most big-budget action extravaganzas can rarely equal.

The story takes place in Puerto Rico. We’re introduced to Henry Hearst (Gene Hackman) a wealthy lawyer who has everything, including a beautiful wife played by Monica Belluci. The couple is about to go to a fund-raiser where Henry is scheduled to make a speech; however, Henry gets sidetracked when the local police call and ask him to come to the station to answer a few questions about a young girl’s murder. We learn quite quickly that Henry may have more to do with the murder than he first admits to.

For the most part, everything takes place in just a couple of rooms at the police station. In that way it’s much like Glengarry Glen Ross and Death and the Maiden -- lots of acting, little action. There are a few outdoor scenes, mostly in flashbacks, but the real tension happens between the actors in these rooms. Morgan Freeman plays Captain Victor Benezet. Along with Hackman he is one of the finest actors working today and that’s why this film really thrives. The tension mounts wonderfully as Benezet and Hearst face off. I would tell you more about the story, but I don’t want to give away any surprises because the twists and turns in Henry’s stories are the key to the film’s success.

Picture and sound quality are both generally good, but are not outstanding enough to warrant special consideration. The DVD includes a few extras -- a commentary by director Stephen Hopkins and Morgan Freeman, and a "making of" feature. I enjoyed watching these after the film since they offered a little more insight into what the filmmakers were trying to accomplish.

Under Suspicion gets a strong rental recommendation. It’s not the type of movie one usually buys because of the nature of the story; after one viewing its "tricks" are out of the bag. However, it is riveting entertainment that’s worth checking out.

• Go Back