A Perfect Murder (1998)

A sense of class and sophistication prevails with dominance in this free remake of "Dial M for Murder" (1954), qualities also present in the Hitchcock film but this one has a sexier and bold quality that appeals to current audiences. Whatever the case, both films are outstanding in their own ways. Simple and safe, without many complex layers to its plot, Michael Douglas plays a problematic yet controlled rich man who wants to kill his wife (Gwyneth Paltrow) and he asks her lover (Viggo Mortensen) to do the job, but it all gets messy when the man hires a third part for the task who fails with his service. In terms of thrills and chills, "A Perfect Murder" brings back all the energy Andrew Davis has given us with his greatest film, the classic "The Fugitive". Each scene goes by and you wonder what's gonna happen next, the excitement is there, positively enjoyable and never losing the rhythm. A gifted master in creating the perfect scenario for all the intrigue, the plan and the murders, Davis uses of elaborated sequences that rings a Hitchcock touch but with better effect and not so showy like some of Brian De Palma's homages. Shots and plans are in that way for a reason (close-up of a random object that later on reveals its importance) and their use are simply great. Watch more than once and you'll know what I'm talking about. It gets better at each view. As for the cast, he got it right again. You love to hate Michael Douglas in those roles, effortless but completely magnetic, powerful and with a certain charm that captivates the whole way through. Like Ray Milland in that classic, you sort of like want this man to succeed with his frightening plans. Gwyneth is there because no one else then could fit the role with that measured sweetness. I tried to look back at the female stars of the 1990's and couldn't think of one name that could adapt well into that criteria as the Hitchcockian blonde, in this case a more vulnerable one. Viggo has all the right qualities to play the third man, the young artist/lover with a mysterious past inclined to serve the money coming from his "enemy" instead of saving the love of his life. However, the performance that steals the show is the one given by David Suchet as the detective behind the case. Usually the villain or playing Hercule Poirot, Suchet carries a weight that works with a sense of amazement and reality, with a character dealing with some internal problems that are seen by Gwyneth's character with thoughtful respect - their exchange in a foreign language is pure charm and greatness. Today's thrillers don't have the same quality and class "A Perfect Murder" has. It's all about being fast, furious and more edgy in certain aspects, and that doesn't always work, it usually makes it look poor developed. Rewatching this film was like rediscovering a time and a genre that didn't need constant plot twists to make it more effective - it had some but they're all brilliantly executed. Call me nuts but there's pure excellence in this film. Too bad that Mr. Davis never got back on top like that again. But I still hope for more. 10/10

As with all of Michael Douglas's films, this one is brilliant and amazingly acted. It's a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's "Dial M for Murder," but done very well. The movie suffers not in the least when compared to Hitch's version. If anything, it's a better picture. It obviously had a bigger budget. It's not nearly as mannered and static. The plot has been extensively updated, except for one key scene involving a telephone. Its failings are due to the same elements which bothered Hitch. The play is close to being a potboiler. Still, in the new version, the makers were smart enough to employ film techniques which tend to gloss over the script's weaknesses.Michael Douglas plays a great role as a stern, hard businessman. I have to admit that he is almost sexy in his portrayal. Gwyneth Paltrow seems comfortable in her role as a victimized heiress. Viggo Mortensen makes a good grungy artist. And David Suchet of Inspector Poirot is an excellent actor. We get to see him without the mustache. Actually, this is the type of movie that lends itself to being just a short play since most of the action takes place in just two apartments. The movie is set in New York city, and the director manages to work in a few local attractions such as Penn Station, the Staten Island Ferry, some skylines, and some museums. But the New York scenes are just a bonus, like icing on a cake, and the movie really hangs on the stars and their interactions. It is a good drama with some surprising turns.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

I have viewed this film several times and kept trying to think of what was it that bugged me so much about it. These kids are riding the wave of luxury and have servants (i.e. with keys) and access to a locksmith.Hence, one would presume the entire basis of this crime unravelling would NEVER be lack of an extra key. Well, well, well....guess the rich have to trim those corners and keep Mr. Red Line at bay.I was surprised that Ms. 80lbs Wet would just savor the thought of having an entire Pork Roast with veggies awaiting her salivating greedy chops. Guess who's coming to dinner cupcake? The saving grace of the film of course is our dear voluptuous Viggo. Although he keeps repeating lines, mumbles a lot and appears quite the patsy, I was able to force field my way to appreciate his muted performance. He has been around too long to have accepted this type of role but Mikey made him an offer he chewed on....haha.High recommend for Armenian(?) interactions, high seas romance, financial collapse and doom lovers, and good ol' stupidity!

A perfect murder is pretty much an update version with many changes of the original classic Dial M for Murder. Obviously this film is not quite as successful as the original film, but its still nevertheless a pretty decent and interesting thriller, that has lots of twists and turns. The story is basically about a husband and wife named Steven (Michael Douglas) and Emily Taylor (Gwyneth Paltrow) where despite being married and have high prolific careers, are having a troublesome relationship and various other issues in their lives. Emily (Gwyneth) is having an affair with someone, Steven (Michael) is having serious financial implications. Neither of them are mentally stable, yet have various 'targets' to achieve. The film is pretty good for what it was. Michael Douglas was the outstanding performer of this film and if not for his performance, then I just feel the film would've dropped way down to mediocrity. I'm surprised just how beautiful Gwyneth looked back then, she was a very good choice playing the character Emily. The cast choice was good and the film is a decent thriller worth watching for 1 night or something at least. The conclusion according to me was a let down otherwise it could've got a higher rating.Personally, I found this film pretty enjoyable and gave it a 6 rating and it is certainly worth watching. What makes the film different compared to Dial M for Murder, is that it is much much darker.