Conspiracy Theory is a 1997 thriller that centers around Jerry (Mel Gibson), a spaced-out taxi driver, and his relationship with Alice (Julia Roberts), a Justice Dept lawyer. Jerry drives tons of passengers around (pre-Uber) in his cab spouting all sorts of conspiracy theories to them about anything you can imagine. He's whacky - or is he.
As the film proceeds, you learn he has been building a relationship with Alice, but you are not quite sure why. Gibson plays his role keenly, not revealing too much, other than that his character likes confined spaces - the cab, and his apartment, which is tiny and well fortified.
Events happen that bring in the antagonist, Dr Jonas, played beautifully by Patrick Stewart, who looked amazingly old even 20 years ago - or maybe it was makeup. His character seemed to be lifted right out of the film Marathon Man, with Sir Lawrence Olivier, with one very memorable scene in particular.
A cat-and-mouse game leads you on a chase, skullduggery, deception, even life and death. The film reveals pretty early on who the bad guys are - that could have been better handled. Otherwise, this was a pretty decent thriller, with Mel Gibson still young enough to pull this off. Julia Roberts was stunning in her role, which reminds me of how terrific she is as an actor. This role allowed her to be much more than a pretty woman with a cute smile. She had to kick some butt, and she does.
The film direction is, by necessity, confusing and often dark. Many of the scenes happen at night or in dark places. It was a bit jarring at times, but that supports the struggles that Jerry is going thru as he tries to figure out his life, and as Alice tries to understand the truth.
The ending was pretty predictable, and as Hollywood goes, leaves you with a good feeling. It's a worthwhile film that delivers some terrific acting with a decent plot that is Jason Bourne-like in some ways. Enjoy.
As the film proceeds, you learn he has been building a relationship with Alice, but you are not quite sure why. Gibson plays his role keenly, not revealing too much, other than that his character likes confined spaces - the cab, and his apartment, which is tiny and well fortified.
Events happen that bring in the antagonist, Dr Jonas, played beautifully by Patrick Stewart, who looked amazingly old even 20 years ago - or maybe it was makeup. His character seemed to be lifted right out of the film Marathon Man, with Sir Lawrence Olivier, with one very memorable scene in particular.
A cat-and-mouse game leads you on a chase, skullduggery, deception, even life and death. The film reveals pretty early on who the bad guys are - that could have been better handled. Otherwise, this was a pretty decent thriller, with Mel Gibson still young enough to pull this off. Julia Roberts was stunning in her role, which reminds me of how terrific she is as an actor. This role allowed her to be much more than a pretty woman with a cute smile. She had to kick some butt, and she does.
The film direction is, by necessity, confusing and often dark. Many of the scenes happen at night or in dark places. It was a bit jarring at times, but that supports the struggles that Jerry is going thru as he tries to figure out his life, and as Alice tries to understand the truth.
The ending was pretty predictable, and as Hollywood goes, leaves you with a good feeling. It's a worthwhile film that delivers some terrific acting with a decent plot that is Jason Bourne-like in some ways. Enjoy.