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7

timoneNov 30, 2021

Now I'm all set to review a film that really star Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow and Viggo Mortensen. OK, now years ago while I was watching it, I just found out that this is a remake which I didn't notice. It's called Dial M for MurderNow I'm all set to review a film that really star Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow and Viggo Mortensen. OK, now years ago while I was watching it, I just found out that this is a remake which I didn't notice. It's called Dial M for Murder directed by Alfred Hitchcock so I think this is Alfred Hitchcock-ish so I was going to watch it to see what was going on. This film is pretty dark in many area's so this will be getting on the edge of my seat. Michael Douglas is a good actor in this and Gwyneth Paltrow and Viggo Mortensen did a pretty decent job. Michael Douglas's character plays Steven Taylor who wants his wife murdered named Emily Taylor played by Gwyneth Paltrow. She's in love with the painter called David Shaw played by Viggo Mortensen but she realized that he is a killer from the very beginning. That wasn't until the third act. Considering that there are scenes that are really interesting, there's a scene where the attacker attacks Emily Taylor and she kills him by stabbing him in the neck. It's always the best part everytime I watch it. And the ending which is remarkable. Good cast in this entertaining thriller made in the 90's. I enjoyed it years ago and it is dark in places. When I played a video game that really scared me, Eternal Ring will be the answer. Everytime I think about A Perfect Murder, Eternal Ring is the game where I die and get hit come across scary things, that really scares me. So, anyways, A Perfect Murder is an enjoyable movie that kept me on the edge of the seat the whole way through, nothing too special but still enjoyable. This is a good film but it is only good. I would give this an 8 but that was while back.… Expand

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

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8

Atrium89May 24, 2021

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2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

Exigent93Jun 6, 2021

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1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

DawdlingPoetNov 26, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is quite a tense thriller, with Michael Douglas playing the clearly villanious, scheming husband Steven who hides more secrets than first appears. The story appears fairly simple at first, with the wife clearly being unfaithful, the hit being planned and subsequently botched but the way it unwinds is interesting enough, in that we get a better idea of his background, not only us as viewers but also Emily who discovers the legitimacy of Steven's business has been seriously put in doubt, raising suspicions considerably.

Anyway yes; the movie is very tense, with the musical score (use of instruments (strings etc.)) really making you feel on the edge of your seat. Its quite violent in parts and its probably advisable for particularly squeamish people to give this a miss, though otherwise its perfectly fine, if you don't mind the fact that the basic story is one thats been, pardon the pun, done to death already. I thought that the performances and the sheer constant tenseness present kept this movie from being really quite bland and purely predictable, instead given the main plot twist, I was left curious to find out how it would end and I would say that the ending was one that did surprise to me an extent.

Throughout the majority of the movie, there are clear 'goodies' and 'baddies' and you wonder how Emily can get away from what seems to be a sealed fate but its interesting to see when David Suchets character (had to throw that in there - can't say I expected to see 'Poirot' turn up in the middle of pretty much modern day NYC but there you go(!) it must be a bug bear to be typecast but there again this movie dates from late 90s and he didn't take on the role of Poirot until the '00s right? anywhooo...I digress!), Mohamed Karaman, comes to the fore, what comes to light and moreso how Emily manages to piece things together, while Steven is carefully covering his back. Their both clearly very professional characters and certainly their portrayed well, as both of their characters have stern and determined looks at certain times and indeed seem quite determined to do what they feel they have to do to save themselves in their own way. Whether this story is one which would appeal to you could depend, sure there's the issue of why should we care about such well off people and the usual tale of jealousy and control freak-ery? but reviewing it in terms of being a piece of entertainment, I felt that it was pretty engrossing and, like I say, it was quite tense and thrilling at times - I didn't feel certain of the outcome or that it was a let down, so I think for what it is, its a good movie. I felt that there was a definite degree of bluff or double bluff present in the story, with neither Steven or Emily wanting to appear to the other for most of the time, as if their on the losing side, put it that way. I wouldn't say that this is a movie with particularly amazing special effects or even action scenes as such, though there are what could be classified as fight scenes, certainly there are violent scenes of course but I feel that its the twists and turns with the plot and the good cast that really make this movie work, which is a good thing I think, I don't think its necessarily good for a movie to work only due to one or two pieces of good CGI effects, thats a bit gimmicky. I'm not really sure if there's anything else I can add about this movie, I think that about covers it all to be honest. I read on IMDB that its a remake of the Hitchcock classic 'Dial 'M' for Murder' which would fit given how the hit goes down (or does it?) - how many movies, say in the last 50-70 years, have been 'remade' (or should that be re-done? you know what I mean) and do they ever do real justice to the original, to make it worth having been made? that could be debatable...certainly nowadays it seems Hollywood is running out of original scripts. I tend to not be too impressed with such remales of sometimes 'bygone' movies, especially if they just stick one or two a list actors or actresses in the credits, to make people think ahhh well such and such is in it and I think I may have heard of the original movie when I was young but I was too young to see it then so I simply must see this remake! hmmm...(!). As it happens though, I don't feel I can mark this movie down too far and the original movie was made in the 1950s, so its not based on a book or movie originally from too 'way back when'- I wouldn't say the film is particularly genius or amazing but its certainly pretty engrossing and I do feel that Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow pull their weight pretty well, so I suppose in this case yes, its worth watching for that but it isn't always the case for every such remake movie, it really depends on the script and so on.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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9

SolariumJan 12, 2020

A- Gwyneth, Michael and Viggo are brilliant in this movie. *****************

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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10

Steven1981Apr 13, 2020

A Perfect Murder was directed in 1998 by Andrew Davis, director of The Fugitive... A Perfect Murder stars Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow, Viggo Mortensen and David Suchet.... It's a quite glamorous thriller/crime film that is beautifullyA Perfect Murder was directed in 1998 by Andrew Davis, director of The Fugitive... A Perfect Murder stars Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow, Viggo Mortensen and David Suchet.... It's a quite glamorous thriller/crime film that is beautifully directed and Gwyneth Paltrow looks great. Steven Taylor (Michael Douglas) finds out his wife's sleeping with some dude called David Shaw (Viggo Mortensen) and basically goes over a plan with him to execute or kill his wife. There's a few twists in the film and even though that's basically some or if not all of the story then don't be fooled because it's not that straight forward because there are twists that develop in the movie and all not quite goes to plan. Michael Douglas gives the best performance in the movie but Gwyneth Paltrow looks incredibly beautiful and she's okay. The characters are all likeable and the story is good and it's never boring and the dialog is okay. It's a film that gets you thinking and isn't over the top and beautifully well made. A Perfect Murder to me is a perfect film and I see no faults with it and is one of Michael Douglas's best movies.… Expand

2 of 10 users found this helpful28

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5

jessetaylor25Apr 9, 2011

"A Perfect Murder" is a remake of Alfred **** classic "Dial 'M' for Murder" which in turn is an adaptation of a Frederick Knott play. It certainly provides thrills, but what this film lacks that the great Alfred **** never went without, is"A Perfect Murder" is a remake of Alfred **** classic "Dial 'M' for Murder" which in turn is an adaptation of a Frederick Knott play. It certainly provides thrills, but what this film lacks that the great Alfred **** never went without, is great suspense. The film sometimes feels flat with what it's presenting and what little suspense it does have is executed so wearily that the whole thing feels tired and recycled. Aside from that, "A Perfect Murder" does come together as a solid thriller for the most part; it never ceased to keep my attention and most of the character interaction was intriguing. The police inspector role was cut down a lot from the original film this time leaving most of the detective work up to Paltrow's character. The ending left me a little cold, but all-in-all, this is an okay thriller.… Expand

1 of 12 users found this helpful111

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6

SpangleOct 28, 2017

As a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder, it is easy to head into Andrew Davis' A Perfect Murder with low expectations. However, in watching the film, it is clear that Davis re-invented the plot and characters enough that A PerfectAs a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder, it is easy to head into Andrew Davis' A Perfect Murder with low expectations. However, in watching the film, it is clear that Davis re-invented the plot and characters enough that A Perfect Murder manages to stand on its own. The general layout starts off pretty much the same - though more sexed up, which would make Hitchcock deeply jealous - before diverting and really going in its direction. Oddly enough, it is this direction that is certainly lesser than the Dial M for Murder set-up, but it is nonetheless still intriguing and rather gripping to watch. It is a film that certainly has many plot contrivances and enough twists that it winds up twisting itself up. However, no matter where the film goes, it nonetheless manages to compel and entertain, while standing as one of the better murderous spouse thrillers from the 1990s thanks to strong performances from Michael Douglas as the shifty hedge-fund manager and Gwyneth Paltrow as his adulterous wife.

Upon discovering his wife Emily (Paltrow) is having affair with painter David Shaw (Viggo Mortensen), Steven Taylor (Douglas) sees an opportunity. With his risky and illegal stock market bets threatening to collapse and leave him broke, Steven needs money. Fortunately, Emily has a trust fund and no pre-nuptial agreement was signed. Discovering David's lurid past with prior trysts with rich heiresses and his time in jail, Steven uses the information to blackmail David into agreeing to kill Emily for $500,000. Planning everything down to the smallest detail, Steven believes he has crafted the perfect murder that will leave no trail to himself and solve his financial woes at the expense of his wife who he does not love anymore anyways. However, when things go sideways and an unexpected incident occurs, Steven's plans are shattered and he must evade detection by the now suspicious Emily.

While it may not re-write on 1990s thrillers, A Perfect Murder nonetheless often embodies their best elements. Building great anticipation for the planned murder through meticulous pacing and planning by Steven and David, the film allows the audience to visualize the murder and how it will happen right before it finally does happen. This anticipation turns into great tension as the moment finally occurs and we watch Steven plan his alibi and put every wheel into motion that he knows will see him exonerated. Once the attack occurs and the cops show up, the tension rises dramatically. Somehow, Emily is still alive and now Steven must cover up his tracks. Forcing the audience to recall every element that he put in place beforehand as he must now clean up any mess leftover by the would-be killer, A Perfect Murder shows these loose ends throughout the rest of its run-time and his efforts to snuff them out before Emily and the cops detect anything. Thrilling and similarly showing the psychotic nature of this crime, A Perfect Murder is a film that drops you into the mind of a killer and, somehow, gets you root for him as he tries to navigate the minefield of a cover-up he has made for himself when his plan goes haywire in the execution phase.

What really helps to sell A Perfect Murder as better than your average thriller is the acting. Though the film is riddled with cliches, it is the acting of its cast that allows it to really soar and carve out its own name. Chief among this is Michael Douglas. He really made his name for playing these men in poor relationships such as in Fatal Attraction or Basic Instinct, bringing this knowledge and his ability as an actor to the table for his role in A Perfect Murder. Calculating, wicked, and cold, Douglas' psychotic husband character is one that instills fear but an odd degree of sympathy as he is a man who is being cheated on. This confusion - largely brought on by him being the protagonist - is exemplified by Douglas who plays this charismatic charmer so well that we half forget he is also a murderous psychopath. As his wife, Gwyneth Paltrow gives one of her stronger performances. As she begins to piece together what happened to her, you can see the gears turn in Paltrow's head as well as you can see the denial and the emotion she feels as she comes to this shocking realization: both men she was with were liars and possible killers. It is a chilling place to be in for her and Paltrow sells this woman's confusion and emotion incredibly well.

However, what does hold the film back is its cliches and its contrivances. For the latter, the inclusion of David blackmailing Steven in the end and threatening to expose him does bring the film home to some degree, but feels overly written. Similarly, lines of dialogue dedicated to David rubbing in the fact he is sleeping with Emily come as cheesy and rather gross, highlighting that the film though thrilling may not be the best written film ever released. In fact, it is a film that tries to do too much.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

eva3si0nJun 19, 2022

A Perfect Murder is the perfect example of a great thriller from the 90s. There's a great cast here, a good plot for a thriller and a solid ending to the film with a climax. One of Michael Douglas' best works. It is these films that are notA Perfect Murder is the perfect example of a great thriller from the 90s. There's a great cast here, a good plot for a thriller and a solid ending to the film with a climax. One of Michael Douglas' best works. It is these films that are not in modern cinema, so A Perfect Murder only gets better over time… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

FilipeNetoNov 8, 2019

Quality entertainment in a movie that almost makes us forget it's a remake.

In this movie, which is a remake of the famous Alfred Hitchcock movie "Dial M for Murder", we see the cold, hard, calculating way a New York businessman tries to getQuality entertainment in a movie that almost makes us forget it's a remake.

In this movie, which is a remake of the famous Alfred Hitchcock movie "Dial M for Murder", we see the cold, hard, calculating way a New York businessman tries to get his wife's lover to kill her in order to stay. with her money. Being a remake, there are obvious similarities between both films, but it is not a copy. There are new and different things about this movie, and the way everything is approached is, to say the least, credible.

Its director, Andrew Davis, did an average job. The cast is led by Michael Douglas in the role of cold and hard Steven Taylor, a high finance millionaire. The actor is good in rational roles that require a calm posture, and Douglas does not disappoint us, giving us an excellent performance here. The same is true of Gwynneth Paltrow, who played Steven's wife Emily Taylor. She is the typical object wife, whom her husband will exhibit at society parties, treating her coldly in intimacy, and who comes to find a lover, a character expertly played by Viggo Mortenson. David Suchet, who made a resounding success in his role as Poirot, reincarnates a policeman, bringing the inspector in charge of the case to life. The whole cast did a good job, but I clearly highlight Douglas and Paltrow's excellent performances.

In short, it is a quality movie that can sometimes make us forget that it is a remake and is fully accepted by us. Without any noteworthy technical details or phenomenal interpretations on the part of the cast, it is a film worthy of the story it tells and the quality entertainment it brings us.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

PittsmasterSep 20, 2020

This had my attention the whole time. Lots of twists and turns that left me guessing. Great editing and camera work. Michael Douglas is a great actor.

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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8

ReceptacleJun 24, 2021

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8

Palindrome704Jul 2, 2021

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8

Acquit77Jul 18, 2021

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