Le Caméléon

Chameleon has just been shown on free-to-air TV in Melbourne. I had never seen it before but watched it both for the intriguing title and because Anthony LaPaglia was the star. I have enjoyed his acting for a long time.

Whilst I agree with some of the comments that the plot was a bit predictable, I still enjoyed the overall movie. Anthony did his usual sterling job, and I felt great empathy for the man who was suffering so badly but didn't know how ill he was. I wonder if this is a real condition or just fiction. It was fascinating.

I must admit, though, that my favourite parts were when he was made up as someone else. The transformations were marvelous and it was fun to pick him out before he was revealed.

Whilst it may not be an award winning film, I found it a fun way to spend the evening.

This film has a fairly unoriginal premise: cop guy still suffering the death of his family goes out for revenge. The particulars of the crime plot - drugs, money laundering, and other organized crime activity - are also nothing to get worked up about. It's not that they're done badly or even cheesy, but they have all been done before.

What makes this film worth watching is the lead character and the actor who plays him. Willie Serling, played by the wonderful Anthony LaPaglia, drifts in and out of so many false personalities as part of his undercover operations that he's not sure who he is himself anymore. Not only does LaPaglia adeptly handle character changes - moving in and out of accents, mannerisms, gaits, etc. - but he also really brings home the performance of Serling struggling to keep a grip on his own life. LaPaglia's performance is so good that it's easy to forget about the plot issue. Furthermore, the character himself is interesting to watch as he navigates the story.

So don't watch this movie if you're looking for the best crime drama ever, but definitely watch it if you want to see a genius of an actor at work in a thoroughly interesting role.

If you're a fan of movie makeup, that part of this movie alone should entice you. Fabulous work by the makeup crew makes for a fun Spot-The-Agent game on the part of Willie's boss. If the crew didn't get an award for their work, they were robbed.

This film is acceptable as a 'B' feature thriller movie. Unfortunately the script, though witty in parts, needs attention - e.g. over use of 'deus ex machina' devices. The direction is generally unimaginative and at times clichéd - i.e. in the 'third act' the bad guy is seen getting out of his car camera angled from feet upwards. This is a well-worn tired technique aimed at instilling a sense of foreboding, it no longer works and hasn't for many years now. The premise of the story however is interesting and as usual Mr LaPaglia is a joy to watch though as a Brit I would question his English accent. As the character of Will Serling relaxes into his English role-playing the accent I have to admit does greatly improve. Perhaps this was intentional. I suspect that this film was never anything more than a potboiler for all those taking part. Any LaPaglia fan will certainly enjoy it to a fair degree, but don't expect anything wonderful. Of a similar period in his career I would rather point eager LaPaglia fans towards the low-budget film 'Killer' - this film, I believe, will more than satisfy them in all they desire to see of the aforesaid wonderful actor.

This movie shows you what an excellent plot and good actors can do. Anthony LaPaglia, one of the most underated actors of his time, protrays an undercover agent who is in the middle of a nervous breakdown. This movie is totally engrossing and well thought out and you begin to feel the depth of anger and loss that Anthony LaPaglia's character feels. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to enjoy a good movie.

I caught this one late night after work on some cable channel and was literally riveted to the sofa. The performances, especially LaPaglia and Pollack, were very good. The plot leaves a little to be desired but the overall story more than makes up for the lulls (very few, at that) in the action. If you have a chance, SEE THIS FILM. You won't be disappointed.