From innovative novelist Michael Crichton comes an original story full of intrigue and technological wizardry which actually manages to outshine his recent smash hit "Jurassic Park". Some astounding effects, superb acting, taught editing, astute directing and a great soundtrack ensure Barry Levinson's 90's thriller is tense from the outset, and has that computer age edge.
I will be the first to admit that I'm tiring of Michael Douglas' repetitive role choices. He seems rather drawn to the "innocent man being victimised by the unstable woman" scenario. "Fatal Attraction" and "Basic Instinct" are two very good examples of this, but even "The War of the Roses" may be placed in the same category. This recurring theme of nasty femme fatales in Douglas' movies has upset several women's groups in the States who have subsequently boycotted "Disclosure". Though I would whole-heartedly agree that he needs a change in direction and some different roles, I still believe Michael Douglas to be a fine actor, and in "Disclosure" he delivers a solid performance as Tom Sanders, a married business man whose new boss turns out to be an ex-lover with whom he had a torrid affair before he settled down. When the two meet in her office after hours to discuss "work", she makes advances that set off a chain of events that turn Sander's world upside down. As the vindictive Meredith Johnson, Demi Moore fits the bill most admirably, and movie-goers will have no problem developing a distinct disliking for her.
A strong support cast backs up the leading pair with showings from Donald Sutherland, Caroline Goodall, Dylan Baker and Nicholas Sadler that are right on the mark.
Maestro Ennio Morricone again expands his movie music repertoire with a pounding score that is truly relentless. Director Levinson maintains this pace with a narrative (adapted form Crichton's novel by Paul Attanasio) that keeps your heart racing, whilst always having a sharp sense of humour. Mr. Levinson certainly knew how to make the most of Crichton's dazzling, tense and immensely pleasurable story.
And of course the one thing that really makes "Disclosure" most effective is the believable characters. It's so much easier to enjoy a film when you can relate to the players involved, don't you think?
Friday, January 13, 1995 - Knox District Centre
On second viewing "Disclosure" is still an amazing, tense, professionally constructed film. Screen writer Paul Attanasio has brilliantly adapted Michael Crichton's 90's thriller novel to the screen, and director Barry Levinson has turned it into quite an entertainment, ingeniously teasing out every nail biting aspect and mysterious element of the flick.
The cast are all excellent, especially Demi Moore and Michael Douglas who both present very believable characters. Strong support form Donald Sutherland and Caroline Goodall.
Special effects are the other sensation, reproducing an incredible virtual reality sequence. Expert editing and Ennio Morricone's pulsating score are both spot on.
Monday, February 26, 1996 - Video
I will be the first to admit that I'm tiring of Michael Douglas' repetitive role choices. He seems rather drawn to the "innocent man being victimised by the unstable woman" scenario. "Fatal Attraction" and "Basic Instinct" are two very good examples of this, but even "The War of the Roses" may be placed in the same category. This recurring theme of nasty femme fatales in Douglas' movies has upset several women's groups in the States who have subsequently boycotted "Disclosure". Though I would whole-heartedly agree that he needs a change in direction and some different roles, I still believe Michael Douglas to be a fine actor, and in "Disclosure" he delivers a solid performance as Tom Sanders, a married business man whose new boss turns out to be an ex-lover with whom he had a torrid affair before he settled down. When the two meet in her office after hours to discuss "work", she makes advances that set off a chain of events that turn Sander's world upside down. As the vindictive Meredith Johnson, Demi Moore fits the bill most admirably, and movie-goers will have no problem developing a distinct disliking for her.
A strong support cast backs up the leading pair with showings from Donald Sutherland, Caroline Goodall, Dylan Baker and Nicholas Sadler that are right on the mark.
Maestro Ennio Morricone again expands his movie music repertoire with a pounding score that is truly relentless. Director Levinson maintains this pace with a narrative (adapted form Crichton's novel by Paul Attanasio) that keeps your heart racing, whilst always having a sharp sense of humour. Mr. Levinson certainly knew how to make the most of Crichton's dazzling, tense and immensely pleasurable story.
And of course the one thing that really makes "Disclosure" most effective is the believable characters. It's so much easier to enjoy a film when you can relate to the players involved, don't you think?
Friday, January 13, 1995 - Knox District Centre
On second viewing "Disclosure" is still an amazing, tense, professionally constructed film. Screen writer Paul Attanasio has brilliantly adapted Michael Crichton's 90's thriller novel to the screen, and director Barry Levinson has turned it into quite an entertainment, ingeniously teasing out every nail biting aspect and mysterious element of the flick.
The cast are all excellent, especially Demi Moore and Michael Douglas who both present very believable characters. Strong support form Donald Sutherland and Caroline Goodall.
Special effects are the other sensation, reproducing an incredible virtual reality sequence. Expert editing and Ennio Morricone's pulsating score are both spot on.
Monday, February 26, 1996 - Video