Petersen's skillful direction and a cleverly constructed script combine to make this a thoroughly entertaining and absorbing thriller. On the first viewing, you're likely to dismiss the shocking and unpredictable ending as "far-fetched" and "unbelievable" (at least that's what I did), but see it again and you'll realize that the story DOES stand up to scrutiny; there are no scenes that cheat the viewer here. Bob Hoskins steals the show as the likable private detective. And overall, this a movie worth seeing. (**1/2)
62 Reviews
Decent But Dated Escapist Flick with Quite a Twist at the End
classicalsteve20 September 2008
The feel of this film rings of a late 1970's early 1980's action-drama TV show, like "Hart to Hart", "Charlie's Angels", or even "Dallas", particularly because of the location shots and the music. The scenes alternate between million-dollar mansions, ritzy hotels, billion-dollar corporations, and rural locales. And the lush strings always emerge when the characters are driving through some mountainous areas. I kept thinking that Jaclyn Smith would turn up at any moment.
The opening premise is quite a stretch: Tom Berenger as Dan Merrick survives after having plunged about 6000 feet off the road in his car. It's a miracle that his legs didn't end up in the glove compartment. Despite being more or less still intact, Merrick's face has been crushed into hamburger, and he can't remember who he is or what happened to him after he awakens from a coma. His wife Judith (Greta Scacchi) is only a little scratched up after the ordeal. She nurses him back to health and tries to help put the puzzle pieces back into his "shattered" memory.
He finds out he's a rich commercial real estate developer with a house with its own zip code. His office at the TransAmerica building in San Francisco is bigger than the average person's apartment. And he has a beautiful secretary who must have just finished a stint as a cover model for Vogue. And his colleague is the kind of guy who uses the old "two shooter" gesture while saying "We'll do lunch." That would be a nightmare!
But other pieces do not come together so easily, like why, before the accident, did he hire a private investigator (Bob Hoskins) who fronts as a pet store owner? And why did this guy's invoice end up at the development company? At one point, he thought he had bought $7000 worth of pets! (With that kind of money he could have gotten the equivalent of Magnum PI.)
The film becomes a kind of noir mystery in which Merrick tries to put the pieces of his life back into perspective all the while trying to figure who he can trust. Although some of the writing and circumstances were a little hard to swallow, the movie sort of gets better as it goes along. And a great performance by Berenger holds the story together more or less. At every moment, despite its short-comings, you want to find out what happens next. And a dynamite ending that is worth the wait and the price of admission, $5 for the DVD at Fry's.
The opening premise is quite a stretch: Tom Berenger as Dan Merrick survives after having plunged about 6000 feet off the road in his car. It's a miracle that his legs didn't end up in the glove compartment. Despite being more or less still intact, Merrick's face has been crushed into hamburger, and he can't remember who he is or what happened to him after he awakens from a coma. His wife Judith (Greta Scacchi) is only a little scratched up after the ordeal. She nurses him back to health and tries to help put the puzzle pieces back into his "shattered" memory.
He finds out he's a rich commercial real estate developer with a house with its own zip code. His office at the TransAmerica building in San Francisco is bigger than the average person's apartment. And he has a beautiful secretary who must have just finished a stint as a cover model for Vogue. And his colleague is the kind of guy who uses the old "two shooter" gesture while saying "We'll do lunch." That would be a nightmare!
But other pieces do not come together so easily, like why, before the accident, did he hire a private investigator (Bob Hoskins) who fronts as a pet store owner? And why did this guy's invoice end up at the development company? At one point, he thought he had bought $7000 worth of pets! (With that kind of money he could have gotten the equivalent of Magnum PI.)
The film becomes a kind of noir mystery in which Merrick tries to put the pieces of his life back into perspective all the while trying to figure who he can trust. Although some of the writing and circumstances were a little hard to swallow, the movie sort of gets better as it goes along. And a great performance by Berenger holds the story together more or less. At every moment, despite its short-comings, you want to find out what happens next. And a dynamite ending that is worth the wait and the price of admission, $5 for the DVD at Fry's.
Intriguing and surprising thriller with tension, twists and moving finale
ma-cortes9 September 2021
A suspenseful movie about a horrible car accident in which a couple : Tom Berenguer, Greta Scacchi are seriously wounded. The husband : Tom Berenger is totally disfigured and is undergone a risked operation to remake his face. Once he's healed he suffers amnesia and doesn't remember his past, exception for brief visons of strange incidents from his previous existence. That's why he hires a Private Inspector : Bob Hoskins to find out causes of the car crash, resulting in a surprising conclusion.
Exciting thrller with suspense, intrigue, twists and turns. It is an Hitchockian thriller with several plot twists, red herrings and predictable final. We're extremely interested in the twisted events and the main question is to solve what really happened at the fateful day of the terrible accident and about a surprising killing. Main starring Tom Berenguer and Greta Scacchi give acceptable interpretations, furthermore they perform some strong and hot love scenes . They are well accompanied by a good support cast such as Joanna Whalley Kilmer, Corbin Bernsen, Theodore Bikel, Bob Hoskins, among others.
It displays an attractive and thrilling musical score by Alan Silvestri. As well as adequate and atmospheric cinematography by Laszlo Kovacs. The motion picture was well directed by Wolfgang Petersen. This good director from his first big success, : Das Boot has made several blockbusters and big hits such as The Neverending story, Enemy mine, Open Fire, Outbreak, Air Force One, Troy, though Poseidon was a real flop. Rating : 6.5/10 .The flick will appeal to Tom Berenguer fans.
Exciting thrller with suspense, intrigue, twists and turns. It is an Hitchockian thriller with several plot twists, red herrings and predictable final. We're extremely interested in the twisted events and the main question is to solve what really happened at the fateful day of the terrible accident and about a surprising killing. Main starring Tom Berenguer and Greta Scacchi give acceptable interpretations, furthermore they perform some strong and hot love scenes . They are well accompanied by a good support cast such as Joanna Whalley Kilmer, Corbin Bernsen, Theodore Bikel, Bob Hoskins, among others.
It displays an attractive and thrilling musical score by Alan Silvestri. As well as adequate and atmospheric cinematography by Laszlo Kovacs. The motion picture was well directed by Wolfgang Petersen. This good director from his first big success, : Das Boot has made several blockbusters and big hits such as The Neverending story, Enemy mine, Open Fire, Outbreak, Air Force One, Troy, though Poseidon was a real flop. Rating : 6.5/10 .The flick will appeal to Tom Berenguer fans.
Shattered Past / Clever Twist!
Jim Sgambaty20 July 2011
Pretty clever mystery that will leave you gasping when the shocking twist is revealed. Tightly woven together, Wolfgang Peterson delivers a smart story about Dan Merrick, a San Francisco businessman who can't remember his past after surviving a horrific car crash. While recovering at his lovely secluded home, Dan discovers his adoring wife Judith, played by Greta Scacchi, is cheating with another man. Dan sets forth to discover that all is not what is seems to be. Bob Hoskins as Gus, the pet shop owner / part time private eye, gives a wonderful performance as well as Joanne Whalley, who knows much more than she ever wanted to know about Dan. Slick scoring by Alan Silvestri, knock out sets, and direction make this mystery / thriller a winner!
A stylish and engaging thriller.
IonicBreezeMachine10 November 2020
After surviving a car crash, real estate developer Dan Merrick (Tom Berenger) finds himself with Amnesia and begins to begin rebuilding his life with the help of his wife Judith (Greta Scacchi). As Dan examines the pieces of a life he can no longer remember and people he no longer knows his path crosses private investigator Gus Klein (Bob Hoskins) who reveals Dan's life may hide darker secrets.
Part of a wave of films in the 90s that tired to be updates on Hitchcockian suspense thrillers (Final Analysis, A Perfect Murder, etc.), Shattered was released to middling reviews and lackluster box office most likely due in no small part to having the misfortune of being released less than two months after very similar (and much more financially successful) Dead Again. And while Dead Again is objectively a stronger film on the whole, Shattered still deserves credit for being a smart thriller with engaging performances and a genuine sense of style and suspense.
Berenger is quite good as Dan Merrick and makes for a convincing everyman who tries to determine who can and cannot be trusted as he tries to piece together a mystery whose clues he can't seem to make sense of. Greta Scacchi is equally good as Dan's wife Judith and does a great job serving as a Hitchcock type enigma. But easily the best performance is Bob Hoskins as Private Investigator Gus Klein, a cynical, misanthropic, animal lover who commands the screen every time he's on camera.
The narrative is solid in terms of it's structure and Wolfgang Petersen's direction and writing effortlessly come together to create the needed amount of intrigue and engagement expected in a film of this ilk. Throughout the first half of the movie we (the audience) are very much in Dan's shoes following down every lead as he finds them with answers leading to more questions. To say anymore would be to spoil the movie, the ending it builds up to is suitably twisty and surprising but whether it strains credibility will be dependent on the person who watches it.
Shattered is a well made thriller with good performances and an intrigue rich hook. The film for the most part successfully emulates all the tricks and trappings familiar to Hitchcock's films and while it doesn't quite stick the landing for its ending (at least for me personally), it is still a solid thriller that'll keep you engaged til the end.
Part of a wave of films in the 90s that tired to be updates on Hitchcockian suspense thrillers (Final Analysis, A Perfect Murder, etc.), Shattered was released to middling reviews and lackluster box office most likely due in no small part to having the misfortune of being released less than two months after very similar (and much more financially successful) Dead Again. And while Dead Again is objectively a stronger film on the whole, Shattered still deserves credit for being a smart thriller with engaging performances and a genuine sense of style and suspense.
Berenger is quite good as Dan Merrick and makes for a convincing everyman who tries to determine who can and cannot be trusted as he tries to piece together a mystery whose clues he can't seem to make sense of. Greta Scacchi is equally good as Dan's wife Judith and does a great job serving as a Hitchcock type enigma. But easily the best performance is Bob Hoskins as Private Investigator Gus Klein, a cynical, misanthropic, animal lover who commands the screen every time he's on camera.
The narrative is solid in terms of it's structure and Wolfgang Petersen's direction and writing effortlessly come together to create the needed amount of intrigue and engagement expected in a film of this ilk. Throughout the first half of the movie we (the audience) are very much in Dan's shoes following down every lead as he finds them with answers leading to more questions. To say anymore would be to spoil the movie, the ending it builds up to is suitably twisty and surprising but whether it strains credibility will be dependent on the person who watches it.
Shattered is a well made thriller with good performances and an intrigue rich hook. The film for the most part successfully emulates all the tricks and trappings familiar to Hitchcock's films and while it doesn't quite stick the landing for its ending (at least for me personally), it is still a solid thriller that'll keep you engaged til the end.
Gotta love it
stevekeyser14 May 2021
a good B movie
his-star22 May 2006
This was an interesting movie. A good B movie. I usually have the plot figured in the first three minutes. This one I did not expect the ending. Sometimes the story kind of dragged. I was kept guessing on the different characters, who was guilty, who was not. I couldn't get over how much the actor playing 'Gus' sounded like Danny Divito. Music was good and carried the action. It was made in 1991 and a reference to a Typeface made me stop and think. This was the day of the typewriter. The special effects were OK. The shattered glass was interesting throughout and at the end. I like movies that are not predictable. I also like movies that are not stereotypical, cars racing, gun fights, etc. This one had a good plot that didn't run the same old, same old. Worth watching at least once.
An Underrated Gem If There Ever Was One
bayardhiler21 April 2013
Late one night, I found myself working late in my college apartment, studying or trying to study for Spanish and it just so happened that I also had the TV on (which I wasn't really paying much attention to) when I just happened to look up and see that a new movie was starting called "Shattered". Seeing that it was directed by Wolfgang Petersen, I became a little curious but didn't really plan on watching it. Well, that thought went out the window when the movie opened with a bang. Husband and wife Dan and Judith are involved in a devastating car crash. But despite all odds, both survive; however the husband (played by Tom Berenger) is in critical condition and is left with no memory of who he is or what happened. His seemly loving wife (Greta Scacchi) does everything she can to help him readjust after getting out of the hospital but, alas, something just doesn't seem right. He slowly begins to realize that everything may not have been as rosy as his wife would have him believe and things get even more interesting when he learns that he paid for services by a street wise private detective named Gus (played by Bob Hoskins).
"Shattered" is one of those unassuming movies that, going in, you're not expecting to find anything too shocking or surprising and that's where you'd be wrong. I've seen a lot of thrillers and mysteries, so much so that eight out ten times, I can probably tell you what the ending will be. However, I got to tell you, the twist at the end of this movie is so well done and so shocking that I didn't see it coming for a million miles, and believe me, that's saying something. The movie also does a good job drawing you, the viewer, deeper and deeper into the movie without even realizing it with the direction of Petersen, the story, and the actors; Tom Berenger does an excellent job in his role, as does Greta Scacchi. However, my favorite actor out of this is probably Bob Hoskins, since he's able to provide a little bit of comedy and heart to his role. If you're one who's looking for a lost gem of a film or is just looking for a good surprise at the end, then I highly, highly recommend "Shattered". You won't regret it!
"Shattered" is one of those unassuming movies that, going in, you're not expecting to find anything too shocking or surprising and that's where you'd be wrong. I've seen a lot of thrillers and mysteries, so much so that eight out ten times, I can probably tell you what the ending will be. However, I got to tell you, the twist at the end of this movie is so well done and so shocking that I didn't see it coming for a million miles, and believe me, that's saying something. The movie also does a good job drawing you, the viewer, deeper and deeper into the movie without even realizing it with the direction of Petersen, the story, and the actors; Tom Berenger does an excellent job in his role, as does Greta Scacchi. However, my favorite actor out of this is probably Bob Hoskins, since he's able to provide a little bit of comedy and heart to his role. If you're one who's looking for a lost gem of a film or is just looking for a good surprise at the end, then I highly, highly recommend "Shattered". You won't regret it!
Nothing special, but still fun to watch
Idocamstuf7 May 2003
"Shattered" was the less successful of the two amnesia films released in 1991, the other being "Regarding Henry". This one has Tom Berenger as an architect who looses his memory after a car crash. Once he gets back into the swing of things, he begins to realize that not everything was right before the accident. He believes that his wife may have been trying to kill him, and attempts to find out if this is true. Its mostly predictable, and Bob Hoskins' character(which I assume was intended to be comic relief) is a distraction, but this is still a very watchable movie, but if you don't see it you are not missing much. 6 out of 10.
Hitchcock would have loved this movie
imursel1 February 2019
Have to see this one, you'll be surprised
jpc479 August 1999
This movie has got to be the best surprise I've ever gotten from a last second pick at the video store. The first time I saw this movie was in college, we watched it one night and it continued to be shown in our apartment almost non-stop for the next 4 days. People could not get enough of it.
I won't go into the plot, etc. but will tell you it offers many twists and turns and will keep you interested and surprised at the end.
You cannot go wrong renting this movie!
I won't go into the plot, etc. but will tell you it offers many twists and turns and will keep you interested and surprised at the end.
You cannot go wrong renting this movie!
A pretty good 90's thriller
Sergiodave2 September 2022
The idea for the story isn't original, but it's entertaining and leaves a certain amount of doubt in the mind, which for a thriller is all important. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, this isn't anywhere near his best movie but it's still enjoyable. A cast of decent but not quite A-list actors led by the always reliable Tom Berenger (could never understand why he never quite made the top, considering the movies he starred in) with good support from both Bob Hoskins and Greta Scacchi this is a good but pretty typical early 90's noir movie. Reminiscent of Presumed Innocent and Jagged Edge in style, worth a watch.
A twist that can't be seen a mile away.
jordondave-280853 June 2023
(1991) Shattered
MYSTERY THRILLER
Adapted from the novel by Richard Neely, co-produced, co-written and directed by Wolfgang Peterson, which opens with a serious car crash accident with both parties surviving with one more seriously injured than the other as the wife fell out of the vehicle while the husband stayed in. And while he was recuperating in hospital, his face has to be reconstructed back together, and he is Dan played by Tom Berenger. And while still recuperating his wife, Judith played by Greta Scacchi makes attempts to recount his lost memory regarding the accident as he also got some amnesia /memory loss. And while at home, he accidentally stumbles onto some pictures of his wife having an illicit affair with some stranger oblivious who the person is, and meets former associates to piece a part of his past together, which includes Corbin Berstein as Jeb Scott, a co-partner of a multi million dollar project, along with his wife played by Johanne Whalley Kilmer and Bob Hoskins as the P. I. Gus. The erotic scenes are at times distracting which the movie lacks suspense, ending the film with a twist that can't be seen a mile away. And upon writing this review, this is my second viewing after many years.
Adapted from the novel by Richard Neely, co-produced, co-written and directed by Wolfgang Peterson, which opens with a serious car crash accident with both parties surviving with one more seriously injured than the other as the wife fell out of the vehicle while the husband stayed in. And while he was recuperating in hospital, his face has to be reconstructed back together, and he is Dan played by Tom Berenger. And while still recuperating his wife, Judith played by Greta Scacchi makes attempts to recount his lost memory regarding the accident as he also got some amnesia /memory loss. And while at home, he accidentally stumbles onto some pictures of his wife having an illicit affair with some stranger oblivious who the person is, and meets former associates to piece a part of his past together, which includes Corbin Berstein as Jeb Scott, a co-partner of a multi million dollar project, along with his wife played by Johanne Whalley Kilmer and Bob Hoskins as the P. I. Gus. The erotic scenes are at times distracting which the movie lacks suspense, ending the film with a twist that can't be seen a mile away. And upon writing this review, this is my second viewing after many years.
The usual stuff
=G=18 February 2002
"Shattered" tells of a man (Berenger), who loses his memory in a car crash, and the mysteries he encounters post-rehab as he assumes his place among a wife and assorted other characters he doesn't remember. A formula mystery flick with a few key puzzle pieces kept from the audience to ensure suspense, "Shattered" has the "feel" of a journeyman low budget drama fraught with the usual plot holes, obvious sets, over acting, tunnel vision, and other contrivances. An okay watch for late night sofa spuds who haven't seen it before. Turn off brain before viewing.
Vastly Underrated Suspense Film
Redfoot968117 April 2002
With a maze of plot twists and surprises, "Shattered" is one heck of a guesser.
The plot follows Dan Merrick (Tom Berenger) after a horrifying car accident. He suffers from amnesia, and must piece his life together post-accident. As he learns more and more about his past, his life spins out of control, leaving the most horrifying revelation for the end.
"Shattered" is carefully constructed and directed by Wolfgang Peterson. His cast really brings this one together, with great performances by Berenger and Bob Hoskins. It is simply impossible to guess the events in this film as you are watching it, and it is best to go into it knowing as little as possible.
"Shattered" is an excellent effort and film that has been wrongly ignored over the years since its release. This is a great rental for a cold and rainy Saturday night.
Grade: A
The plot follows Dan Merrick (Tom Berenger) after a horrifying car accident. He suffers from amnesia, and must piece his life together post-accident. As he learns more and more about his past, his life spins out of control, leaving the most horrifying revelation for the end.
"Shattered" is carefully constructed and directed by Wolfgang Peterson. His cast really brings this one together, with great performances by Berenger and Bob Hoskins. It is simply impossible to guess the events in this film as you are watching it, and it is best to go into it knowing as little as possible.
"Shattered" is an excellent effort and film that has been wrongly ignored over the years since its release. This is a great rental for a cold and rainy Saturday night.
Grade: A
OK until the wheels come off. ......
merklekranz26 July 2019
Like a 100 - 1 shot at the racetrack, only "Shattered" is more like 100 million to one. If twisted scripts are to your liking, then you have struck a gusher with "Shattered". Manipulating the bewildered audience gradually build to a deafening crescendo of mind benders. The cast meanwhile plays the preposterous screenplay dead serious. How they keep a straight face knowing the implausibility of what is developing on screen is unknown. Tom Berenger, Bob Hoskins, Greta Sacchi, Joanne Whalley-Kilmer, and Corbin Berensen, obviously knew what they were getting into, and gave it their best shot. Speaking of shots, the photography is a big plus, as it is excellent, with some impressive car wrecks and chases. Go into this expecting to be entertained, but to over analyze what you are seeing would not be a good idea. - MERK.
One of the best of the neo-noir flicks
krorie1 April 2006
Dan Merrick (Tom Berenger) and his wife Judith (Greta Scacchi) are involved in a car wreck that leaves Judith with only a scratch but Dan in critical condition that involves restructuring his face to look as much as possible like the old face. Dan has one other serious problem, the shock has left him with amnesia. He tries to put his life back together with the help of his wife but nothing seems real. In trying to piece together his former existence, he tracks down all types of hunches and leads that take him nowhere. Then one day he comes across a strange bill for $7,000 from a pet shop. When he investigates further he discovers that the pet shop owner, Gus Klein (Bob Hoskins), moonlights as a private eye. Gus tells him all kinds of strange happenings including a story about his wife's lover. He also learns that his business partner's wife Jenny Scott (Joanne Whalley) is much closer to him than he wants her to be. As Gus and Dan search for clues, they find more than either one bargained for. The ending is a grabber. The viewer won't be disappointed.
Director Wolfgang Petersen of "Das Boot" fame directs with a flair for action and suspense. There is a wild car chase toward the end of the movie that really delivers the goods. Though Petersen's film (which he wrote based on a novel) may not exactly be film noir, it shares several elements in common with that genre including two femme fatales. There is also symbolic use of natural forces such as the pounding of the waves against the shore to enhance portions of the script, which may or may not have been inspired by the 1942 film noir picture "Street of Chance."
All the acting is above average, but the standout performance is by Bob Hoskins as the PI who loves animals. There are also bits of humor from a pet shop employee, Sadie (Jedda Jones), over the phone when called asking for Gus.
Director Wolfgang Petersen of "Das Boot" fame directs with a flair for action and suspense. There is a wild car chase toward the end of the movie that really delivers the goods. Though Petersen's film (which he wrote based on a novel) may not exactly be film noir, it shares several elements in common with that genre including two femme fatales. There is also symbolic use of natural forces such as the pounding of the waves against the shore to enhance portions of the script, which may or may not have been inspired by the 1942 film noir picture "Street of Chance."
All the acting is above average, but the standout performance is by Bob Hoskins as the PI who loves animals. There are also bits of humor from a pet shop employee, Sadie (Jedda Jones), over the phone when called asking for Gus.
Almost nails the balance between the audacious and the authentic
fredrikgunerius16 March 2023
The late Wolfgang Petersen (Das Boot) wrote and directed this fittingly campy psychological thriller starring Tom Berenger, Greta Scacchi and a wonderful Bob Hoskins. Berenger plays a man suffering from psychogenic amnesia after a harrowing car accident. He barely survives, but only after a number of (plastic) operations. His quest to uncover what happened in the run-up to the accident shares quite a few similarities with Christopher Nolan's now classic Memento, except that Shattered never strays too far from its genre-obligations. The film almost nails that delicate balance between the audacious and the authentic. Had Scacchi played it more straight in her role as the wife, it might have succeeded. Hoskins elevates a number of otherwise run-of-the-mill segments with his spirited performance. Also with Joanne Whalley-Kilmer and Corbin Bernsen in supporting roles as Berenger and Scacchi's friends.
Unbelievable Twists
cengelm10 December 2000
During the 70s Wolfgang Petersen directed a lot of thrillers for the popular German TATORT-TV-series(ca. 90 minutes long episodes, e.g. Tatort - Reifezeugnis). Most of them were suspenseful and credible. Seeing SHATTERED you wouldn't believe it's the same director. I mean, twists can be nice and add to the entertainment value, but what we get here is really incredible. Most people seemed to have enjoyed this one, though. Switch your disbelief off!
Silly Yet Deliriously Entertaining Thriller
burbank9044160105 January 2002
Shattered is a Hitchcock meets Sunset Beach style thriller which plays its silly premise and story straight and comes up trumps.The audience are wisely kept in the dark of the story, so we learn about everything at the same time as our protaganist, played with a nice ambiguity by Tom Berenger.All the twists and turns finally pay-off in probably my favourite twist of all time.Really.Completely unguessable and ridiculous yet wholly satisfying, it helps to make Shattered into a thrilling Saturday Night Movie.Take it as it is and you won't be disappointed
Berenger bores but the movie has some X-factor
jtindahouse28 April 2021
I love how thrillers were made back in the 90s. They felt so much less restricted, less structured and like anything could happen. 'Shattered' really should have been right up my alley, but I found myself a lot less invested in the story than I wanted to be. Then when the reveal came around I was impressed by it, but also instantly realised every flaw it had in terms of making sense.
I think the biggest problem I had connecting with this movie was how uninteresting I found Tom Berenger's performance. He has no ability to change his expression regardless of the emotion he is supposed to be conveying. Zero charisma in a lead character is such a killer for a film. Bob Hoskins on the other hand was great. He is the life of the movie. Greta Scacchi also gives an impressive performance with the limited screentime she receives.
From what I can tell this film seems to have a bit of a cult following. It's one of those films where if you don't overthink it you're going to have a great time. Even if the twist doesn't entirely work (and in fairness the script covers every detail it possibly can in order to make it work) it's still a fun concept. Even though I can only give this one a 6/10 I would still say it's worth a watch. It has the potential for you to love it if you do manage to connect with it like I was unable to.
I think the biggest problem I had connecting with this movie was how uninteresting I found Tom Berenger's performance. He has no ability to change his expression regardless of the emotion he is supposed to be conveying. Zero charisma in a lead character is such a killer for a film. Bob Hoskins on the other hand was great. He is the life of the movie. Greta Scacchi also gives an impressive performance with the limited screentime she receives.
From what I can tell this film seems to have a bit of a cult following. It's one of those films where if you don't overthink it you're going to have a great time. Even if the twist doesn't entirely work (and in fairness the script covers every detail it possibly can in order to make it work) it's still a fun concept. Even though I can only give this one a 6/10 I would still say it's worth a watch. It has the potential for you to love it if you do manage to connect with it like I was unable to.
Shattered writing, but still holds you until the end!
Sooner_886 October 2023
This psychological thriller starring Tom Berenger, Bob Hoskins, & Greta Scacchi is sort of a mixed experience with highs and lows. The highs being your typical suspense that you get from most thrillers, such as car chases, mysterious murders, and good old-fashioned amnesia or loss of memory to the point your main character is broken and must crawl their way back to the truth. But, by this movies end, you mostly want to throw your hands up and ask yourself "Was that the best twist you can come up with?" Or better yet, is "That the best you can come up with?" Believe me when I say I ran both scenarios through my head, and I'm still puzzled by the end to the point I find I preposterous but amusingly accepting.
The performances here are banal or serving to the script written by Richard Neely and Wolfgang himself. The standout is Bob Hoskins, who plays the Sua Sponte cautious private tracker (Gus Klein) hired by Tom Berenger (Dan Merrick) to look into his past for clues to piece together his broken memory. His wife (Judith Merrick) played by Greta Scacchi does her best to keep her husband's sanity. Like I said, the typical roles for such tried and tired writing, that by the end of the film you will get the story and if not for the reveal, you might see this as a big yawn fest.
The story however has good beats that keep the engine chugging along. From a single car accident off the side of a mountain to the dark depths of an abandoned ship on the beach make up for some interesting set pieces and stages tension with a minacious direction. The score, set designs, costumes, and stunts round out what you would think are adequate for a movie such as this. They don't make them like they used to where movies with mild budgets between 20-60 million dollars was just enough to get people in the theater.
I'd say getting to see this for free, was well worth a watch.
6/10.
The performances here are banal or serving to the script written by Richard Neely and Wolfgang himself. The standout is Bob Hoskins, who plays the Sua Sponte cautious private tracker (Gus Klein) hired by Tom Berenger (Dan Merrick) to look into his past for clues to piece together his broken memory. His wife (Judith Merrick) played by Greta Scacchi does her best to keep her husband's sanity. Like I said, the typical roles for such tried and tired writing, that by the end of the film you will get the story and if not for the reveal, you might see this as a big yawn fest.
The story however has good beats that keep the engine chugging along. From a single car accident off the side of a mountain to the dark depths of an abandoned ship on the beach make up for some interesting set pieces and stages tension with a minacious direction. The score, set designs, costumes, and stunts round out what you would think are adequate for a movie such as this. They don't make them like they used to where movies with mild budgets between 20-60 million dollars was just enough to get people in the theater.
I'd say getting to see this for free, was well worth a watch.
6/10.
Not entirely shattering
robert-temple-11 May 2013
This is a modern 'neo-noir' by Wolfgang Petersen, which has some surprising plot variations in its tale of intrigue, madness, murder, infidelity, betrayal, and deception. It is played with great conviction by Greta Scacchi and the rest of the excellent cast. It is also well-directed. But somehow the plot is just too far-fetched to be believable. The title refers to the main character, played by Tom Berenger, surviving a car crash, where his car plunges off a cliff and his face is mutilated. He subsequently has amnesia and cannot remember what happened. He has plastic surgery to restore his face, based on photos of what he used to look like. Then he slowly makes his way back to normal life with his wife (Scacchi) by his side. Lots of pieces don't fit. Bob Hoskins, with his usual brilliance, plays a semi-retired detective who owns a pet shop, and who was hired by Berenger prior to his accident to try to find out whether Scacchi was having an affair, which she was, with someone called Jack Stanton, and he sees the photos. But Jack Stanton has disappeared. The plot gets thicker and thicker. Who can trust anybody? And then there is Berenger's partner's wife, who seems to want to resume her own affair with him. But he can't remember her. It is all very noirish and stylishly done, but credulity is eventually stretched too far. The plot twists are so clever that they are too clever. My belief in the story was shattered.
One of my favorite mystery films
captainlou31 January 2001
This is a film which I have recommended on many a Friday night when all the new releases are already gone and others are looking for a good mystery/suspense title. I have seen it 3-4 times which is rare for me, especially for a mystery. It is fine entertainment with an excellent story. Not the highest production value, but it's unique story makes up for it. Highly recommended, especially on a weekend night when there just aren't any NEW mystery/suspense releases on the shelf.
twist ending crashes the car
SnoopyStyle15 March 2016
Judith Merrick (Greta Scacchi) survives a car crash but her husband Dan Merrick (Tom Berenger) suffered facial trauma and amnesia. They try to go on but he can't remember their lives together from before. He finds evidence of her cheating on him with Jack Stanton which was gathered by private investigator Gus Klein (Bob Hoskins). Gus checks the accident and finds discrepancies. Dan's business partner Jeb Scott (Corbin Bernsen) is not happy with his work. Jenny (Joanne Whalley-Kilmer) is his wife. Suspicion rises that Judith had tried to kill Dan.
It's an intriguing mystery although I don't like the constant micro-flashbacks. This reminds me of an old Hitchcock mystery with less style. Some of the shooting style is fairly old school and they use too much fog. The deliberate style is too noticeable. I stayed with the story with all the twists and then there is the one gigantic twist ending. It's too unlikely to work. The way to make the story work better is for Dan to have some facial disfigurements. It's just so unreal that it makes the movie feels like it's cheating.
It's an intriguing mystery although I don't like the constant micro-flashbacks. This reminds me of an old Hitchcock mystery with less style. Some of the shooting style is fairly old school and they use too much fog. The deliberate style is too noticeable. I stayed with the story with all the twists and then there is the one gigantic twist ending. It's too unlikely to work. The way to make the story work better is for Dan to have some facial disfigurements. It's just so unreal that it makes the movie feels like it's cheating.
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