Name: Retro Film Review: Conspiracy Theory (1997)
Item: Conspiracy Theory
Rating: 15
Author: @drax

(source: tmdb.org)

Increasing number of sequels and remakes show that Hollywood has drained almost most of its creative potential. And even Hollywood, by some strange chance, takes an original idea, the results are usually disappointing. One of such disappointments was Conspiracy Theory, 1997 action thriller directed by Richard Donner.

In this film Mel Gibson plays Jerry Fletcher, New York cab driver of questionable mental health. Jerry happens to believe the most outlandish conspiracy theories and spends most of his free time publishing his own fanzine dedicated to them. The only bright spot in his life is Alice Sutton (played by Julia Roberts), attractive Justice Department official whose office he visits partly to share some of his theories, partly because he is in love with her. Alice is, of course, sceptical towards Jerry's claims, but everything changes when one of his theories proves to be right and Jerry becomes target of covert government operatives led by Dr. Jonas (played by Patrick Stewart).

Basic premise behind Brian Helgeland's script was very promising and it could have worked brilliantly as a dark comedy. Unfortunately, big Hollywood studio has taken hold of it and instead of great film we now have a textbook example of great idea being ruined by commercial considerations. First mistake was in turning Conspiracy Theory into summer blockbuster - that led studio to take big stars, in this case Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts. Gibson can play difficult and unusual characters, and he proves it again in Conspiracy Theory; unfortunately, his efforts are in vain any time he appears in same shot with Julia Roberts, because two of them lack any chemistry together. Another blow to Conspiracy Theory was struck with the idea to attract crowds with the romance between two major characters - Gibson and Roberts not only lack needed what it takes , but Gibson's character being paranoid nut and love-sick puppy in the same time stretches already thin credibility of the film. Final nail in the coffin was decision to fill Conspiracy Theory with action scenes; Richard Donner is experienced director, but even he can't overcome inept script. Conspiracy Theory is watchable only at very beginning, when we meet protagonist for the first time and the whole film looks like dark comedy. But this segment ends too quickly and with appearance of Roberts, government goons and other cliches the only dark thing is mood of those viewers who expected some semblance of quality in this.

RATING: 2/10 (-)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on October 10th 2003)