By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.5 cats
Director: Patrick Stettner
Starring: Frederick Weller | Julia Stiles | Stockard Channing
Country: united_states
Year: 2001
Running time: 84
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0270259
Michael says: “While it’s true that the most disappointing thing about THE BUSINESS OF STRANGERS is its screenplay, I found the disappointing aspect was just that it didn’t really take any chances. It was pretty predictable, where I was hoping for it to be insightful or surprising.
“That said, let me jump on the bandwagon to say how marvelous Stockard Channing, and to a lesser extent, Julia Stiles were. Despite the lukewarm screenplay, I thoroughly enjoyed STRANGER’S examination of the tough-as-nails business world as seen through the eyes of its female participants.
“Channing is a marvel as she trades quips with Stiles, belts down the Dewars, runs 2 miles on the treadmill and still worries about doing the right thing. The direction is tight and interesting, with all the sets, hotels, airport waiting lounges and bars and the arriving and departing airplanes providing a fittingly sterile backdrop.
“Stiles can’t quite measure up to Channing’s naturalistic performance, but acquits herself well, especially when she drops some of the attitude and becomes more three-dimensional. I really enjoyed the wary circling, grudging respect, and the stare-downs that develop between these two characters.
“Lots of people compare Stettner’s STRANGERS to Neil LaBute’s IN THE COMPANY OF MEN, but I do think they’re very different films. If only Stettner had had the courage to make this film without the contrived ‘revenge-on-a-bad-man’ plot. The examination of these two characters’ psyches was more than enough for an entertaining and thought-provoking film.” 3 1/2 stars