Though it's an interesting true life story, the production and release of the film in 2004 is unfortunate because at that time the outcome of the case was not known; no person had been convicted and therefore the case technically was still unsolved. Accordingly, the timing of the release conveys the impression of tabloid journalism on the part of the film's producers, Sony Pictures, in an apparent attempt to capitalize on a personal tragedy.
That said, "The Perfect Husband" is not a bad film. It's got drama and credibility as a true story. On the other hand, I don't think I much care for most of the principal characters, upwardly mobile yuppies. The media vultures are nauseating. And the plot seems a little rushed; what made the cops so quick to suspect Scott after just ten minutes? Further, there's one mysterious telephone call to Scott that is never explained.
Production values are about what you would expect for a TV movie. Casting and acting are fine. Cinematography trends a bit pedestrian but competent; there are lots of camera close-up shots. Background music is irrelevant. I did not notice any problems with editing, though breaks for television commercials are obvious and slightly irritating.
Overall, what makes the film worth watching is that it is based on a true story. The characters, though annoying, are real people. But I wish the film could have been delayed until the case had been resolved, to give viewers a better perspective on the characters, especially Scott Peterson, and on overall case details such as motive and underlying mental state of the killer.
