Old age is a fate terrifying for almost any Hollywood actors. Some of them, however, age more gracefully than others and some even embrace old age as a tool of their trade. One of such examples was provided by legendary Hollywood star Paul Newman in Where the Money Is, 2000 crime comedy directed by Marek Kanievska.
Newman plays Henry Manning, professional thief who became a legend in criminal circles because he successfully evaded capture by police for almost thirty years. His luck ultimately ran out and after the arrest he suffered debilitating stroke that left him unable to move or talk. Instead of prison Manning, who is almost vegetable-like, is held in Oregon nursing home where Carol Ann McKay (played by Linda Fiorentino) works as nurse. Although she enjoyed fame as prom queen during high school and although she married Wayne (played by Dermot Mulroney), the best looking boy in school, her life became stale and monotonous. This is the reason why she becomes fascinated with her (in)famous patient and spends increasing amounts of time with him. After a while she begins suspecting that Manning actually simulates his condition in order to get opportunity for escape and collect the loot from his latest heist. Carol starts using all kinds of tricks in order to make Manning end his charade and make her part of his plans. When her efforts finally succeeds, it turns out that Manning would need not only her, but Wayne’s help too.
Despite his character being bedridden and not doing anything for most of the time, Paul Newman effortlessly carries Where the Money Is on his 75-year old shoulders. His talent and skill is such that he puts many of his Oscar-grabbing colleagues who were playing similar roles to shame. Linda Fiorentino, one of the sexiest, but also one of the most underused actresses of her generation, is well-matched with him and shows great comedic skills. Unfortunately, that can’t be said of rather disinterested Dermot Mulroney. The script, despite initially intriguing premise, quickly descends into cliches when the main mystery is resolved. Marek Kanievska, British director with relatively small and relatively unremarkable filmography (with exception of politically and sexually charged 1984 drama Another Country), doesn’t add much to the film and the musical score by Mark Isham is irritating. Because of that, not even Newman’s and Fiorentino’s talents can rescue this film from sinking into mediocrity. When the Money Is failed at the box office and became something of a swan song for both actors – Linda Fiorentino never appeared in feature film again, while it was penultimate feature film for Newman.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
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