To say that film critics aren’t liked by film makers would be an understatement. Film critics tend not to appear as characters in films, and when they do, they are usually portrayed in most negative light possible. One of the rare examples of film critic actually being a main character is provided by A Slight Case of Murder, 1999 television film directed by Steven Schachter. Plot is based on A Travesty, crime novel by Donald E. Westlake and is narrated by Terry Thorpe (played by William H. Macy), film critic whose superb knowledge of film noir would come handy in predicament he has found himself in. Thorpe has accidentally killed woman he was having sex with. Even if he manages to convince authorities that it was an accident, his confession could ruin his relationship with long time girlfriend Kit Wanamaker (played by Felicity Huffman). Thankfully, Thorpe knows what people who committed crime must do if they want to cover their tracks. Problem arises when Thorpe finds that he was under surveillance by a private investigator John Edgerson (played by James Cromwell) who starts blackmailing him and demanding amount of money Thorpe can’t pay. Another problem comes from Fred Scapelli (played by Adam Arkin), police detective who investigates woman’s death and who takes great interest in Thorpe, although not because he considers him to be a suspect.
Donald E. Westlake was prolific author, with some of his novels being adapted into notable films, like in the case of John Boorman’s Point Blank. Made for cable network TNT and co-written by Schacther and Macy, A Slight Case of Murder is quite obscure in comparison. The script serves as both homage and parody to film noir, and circumvents some of the genre cliches, including unexpected twist at the end. Director Schachter, on the other hand, takes rather routine approach, usually ignoring potentials for experiments in style and narration. The main problem appears to be main character of Thorpe, who seems to be stuck in 1940s and who makes not only his character but also the film itself looking anachronistic. Despite many missed opportunities of the film, Macy, together with Arkin, provides solid performance and there is enough black humour for A Slight Case of Murder to be recommended to fans of film noir with lowered expectations.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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