By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Director: Michael Apted
Starring: Dougray Scott | Jeremy Northan | Kate Winslet | Saffron Burrows
Country: germany, united_kingdom, united_states
Year: 2002
Running time: 117
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0157583
Nathaniel R. says: “There are things to enjoy here, though, amidst the dull surroundings. Aside from the editing, which seems a bit clumsy -perhaps mirroring the overall construction of the story – the technical aspects are all fine. The collective ensemble acting is a little uneven, but two performers fly high above the crowd. Jeremy Northam bites amusingly into his slightly sinister
role as a suspicious investigator. He’s marvelously fun to watch. The effortlessly magnetic Kate Winslet is also game for her role as the frumpy office worker, Hester. The role isn’t much really, but she invests it with her considerable charm and sly interpretation. Whenever she’s onscreen, the awkward picture seems momentarily to click, all its gears quickly churning toward the thrills it so wants to deliver. As ever, Ms Winslet seems unable to deliver mediocre work, no matter what she has to work with. But even these two witty performers are unable to compensate for what the picture so sorely lacks in other areas. The awkward script and the lack of charisma from the lead performers deprive the film of any soul or urgency that it needs. Dougray Scott and Saffron Burrows are both reasonably good actors. But unfortunately, at this point in their careers they both seem cursed by their looks. Their beauty falls firmly into the lead category but they don’t have the magnetism required to sustain leading roles.”
For Nathaniel’s complete review: “http://www.thefilmexperience.net/Reviews/enigma”