Deceptions

My review was written in February 1990 after watching the film on Republic Pictures video cassette.

"Deceptions" is an atmospheric, stylishly directed film noir. Headed direct-to-video, pic has strong potential for pay-tv as well, though it lacks the character depth to make it as a theatrical feature.

Helmer Ruben Preuss continues to show potential in the thriller genre on the basis of this and previous pic "In Dangerous Company", but still a long way from delivering a film of "Body Heat" calibre.

Harry Hamlin toplines as a cop irresistibly drawn to his main suspect, Nicolette Sheridan, who's holding the smoking gun after shooting her husband (Marshall Colt) when he pretends to be a burglar and tries to stab her in a break-in at their mansion.

Both Hamlin and partner Robert Davi are puzzled as to why anyone would kill such a luscious spouse as Sheridan. Circumstantial details gradually point to the existence of an accomplice, a gilr named Marta who resembles Sheridan and supposedly was hubby's squeeze on the side. Pic resolves the whodunit with some good twists while the viewer's suspicion concerning Sheridan remains in the forefront throughout.

Based on a short story by Ken Denbow published in Alfred Htichcock mystery magazine, pic shares the qualities of the late master's tv show in keeping one guessing. Casting of the idealized leads Sheridan and Hamlin provides an alluring, glamorous look, but neither gets inside the character. In Hamlin's case, Richard Taylor's script doesn't detail what makes him tick beyond the obvious attraction to Sheridan, absolutely smashing-looking in and out of a parade of swimsuits (recalling her big screen debut in Rob Reiner's "The Sure Thing"). Sleek design work, including Sheridan's whit-on-white manse, provides a cool, modern tone.

Davi is solid as the no-nonsense cop who adds some fire to the laid-back proceedings. Lensing is fine and the film benefits tremendously from Gary Scott's catchy and haunting musical score in a minor key, replete with wailing saxophone.

This is a pretty good movie if you like murder mysteries. Harry Hamlin does his usual good job at being the bad boy cop who does not have enough sense not to get involved with a suspect and the usual gratuitous sex was nice Ms Sheridan has the required nice Bod. And the Sax Soundtrack is familiar from the red shoes dairies movies. And it was not annoying. it surprised me at the end but I had figured it out or had a good ides about who did it. must not have been that hard to figure out if i got it right

If i wanted some mindless entertainment i would watch it again

This is a made for tv movie, so expect that quality going in. Nicollette Sheridan and Harry Hamlin are pretty to look at, but this movie is slow paced and boring. They spent more time showing Nicollette swimming in a bikini than they did on the actual plot. This movie leaves many people confused as to what was actually going on. The storyline has a lot of holes that doesn't make sense. Watch this if you have nothing better to do. Or if you just want to stare at Nicollette and Harry.

This is an excellent movie which keeps you guessing till the end. don't know why others gave it such a bad rating. Nicolette sheridan with a British accent is the cynosure in this movie has done an excellent job and looks great . Also the ending is a bit shocking. also it is worth watching the movie again once you know the ending.

This is definitely not the worst movie I have seen, but I still would not recommend it to anyone. Actors were bravely doing just OK, but the totally unbelievable, seen-this-million-times-but-rarely-this-badly-written plot and really cheap settings made sure this movie never really got off and the god-awful soundtrack with neverending sax torturing gave it coup de grâce.