Customer Reviews

Under Suspicion [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Liam Neeson stars in a dank little shocker of seamy sex and violence. If you enjoyed the vivid underbelly of Los Angeles in the '50's as strikingly portrayed in 'LA CONFIDENTIAL' you may enjoy this star turn for Neeson set in England in 1959. Neeson portrays an ex-cop, Tony Aaron, turned private eye who makes the rent my staging acts of infidelity between his actress wife and respectable British society. Seems '50's England was definitely a fault based divorce system and Neeson shags the cash photoing his wife in bed with Barristers and other men desirous of shedding the old marital ball and chain. He then perjures himself testifying to the infidelity so that the elite can receive a divorce. The paint hits the canvas one cold rainy night when an international artist hits the sheets in yet another photo op with the open minded Mrs. Aaron and they are both found blasted and bloody in dawn's early light by the shocked and demoralized PI. The suspects are; Neeson's character Tony, the artist's lover Angeline played confusingly by San Giacomo, and the artist's bitter angry wife. Neeson's character investigates the murders aided by his former police partner and during the film beds the mistress, is beaten senseless by the police, is convicted of the murders and sentenced to hang . Can't tell you much more than that without ruining this suspenseful character study. Neeson is wonderful, complex and dead on hot. San Giacomo is too young for the part, looks unfocussed and uncomfortable in the period dress and doesn't generate the kind of heat that is necessary to be believeable. She's no Kim Bassinger. The R-rating is the result of the adult, tight, complex little plot that includes; scenes of Neeson's character Aaron a buff, a double homicide murder scene and the graphic enactment of a shotgun suicide. If you're over 18 and looking for film noir set in somewhere other than LA check out 'Under Suspicion'.

I finally got around to watching this movie last night, and I have to say it was really a lot of fun. It is set in England, and is actually filmed there as well (instead of, say, Toronto). It covers two time periods, one older and one current, and sets up a very compelling murder mystery. You won't see the end coming, and yet you'll totally believe it when you see it. That's a combination that is very difficult to pull off.

It looks like a typical low-budget, late-night movie, but it really comes through. Give it a try if you like mystery thrillers. My guess is you'll be as pleasantly surprised by it as I was.

This is a superb thriller in every sense of the word. The suspense builds throughout and the ending is one of the best ever done. The story takes place in England in the 1950's-1960, when strict divorce laws required proof of adultery, which often was manufactured. Neeson is a cop who was forced out of the police department; we witness the reasdon why as the film begins. He establishes a new life as a seedy detective instrumental in photographing evidence for divorcing couples.

The acting is great, the plot terrific. Totally entertaining. Has the same sort of tension as "Body Heat" and until the end, one is never sure what really happened. Highly recommended.

This is an excellent movie featuring actors who've become much more well known since they made this one. Liam Neeson's hard-luck private eye is an extremely sympathetic character who really is played for the patsy. He knows he's getting screwed all along, but can't seem to do anything about it. The ending is satisfying and make the movie. Don't miss it!

One of the best British thrillers of the 90s, Under Suspicion is an unpretentious audience picture which doesn't let its passing nods to classic British thrillers of the Fifties and early Sixties such as Hell Drivers, Blind Date and Victim, smother it. Set in Brighton at the close of the fifties, Liam Neeson plays the disgraced policeman turned seedy private detective who, with his wife, arranges the 'evidence' of adultery that British law then required for divorces only to find himself the number one suspect when she and his latest client are found murdered. With strong support from Kenneth Cranham as his last remaining friend on the force and a particularly good use of the scope frame (although the extra width does accidentally catch some very nineties phone booths and TV aeriels in the early scenes), it's well worth a look.

The only extra is the trailer, but the DVD does offer a good 2.40:1 widescreen transfer.

This is one of those decent crime movies that few people have heard about. It is, as the previous reviewer states, a "sleeper." It has a lot going for it The story kept my interest all the way both times I saw it (four years apart).

The violence and profanity are not overdone, the main characters are very interesting and the story finishes with a unique twist.

Actually, that twist is something you have to ponder to determine whether it makes sense. I am not sure it did. You'd have to watch this again soon and check on a few things. It's either very clever or its totally unfair to the viewer.

It's nicely photographed and I bet it looks much better on this widescreen DVD than on the tape I viewed it on in the '90s. Liam Neeson and Laura San Giacomo star. Those two are always interesting to watch.

A very interesting movie. Nice setting, violent when necessary. A good transfer and pic quality. Liam Neeson is a very charismatic to watch in this type of movie.

Liam Neeson plays a sleazeball photographer/detective who with his wife arranges fake assignations in hotel rooms for divorce purposes, until one day the client and Neeson's wife are killed. Out of this develops a very taut and charged suspense movie that features a number of plot twists (just when you think you might have it figured out, it goes off in another direction), though often the finger of guilt comes back to point at Neeson again and again. The climax is a real nail-biter and will definitely keep everyone watching. The acting by the principals is strong and convincing, and although the story might be just a tad too convoluted in places, it never becomes totally unbelievable or confusing. It's a neat little crime drama, well worth a watch.

I had seen this movie about five or six years ago upon recommendation from a friend. I never forgot it. I bought the DVD because I recalled the ending was superb but had forgotten what led up to the ending.

I had forgotten what great twists and turns were in this movie. Just when you think you've figured it out, you haven't!

I highly recommend this thriller. It's a great movie for a bunch of people to sit around and debate afterwards!

ENJOY!

I have never understood why this picture has not gottent more of a following. It truly is a masterpiece in its genre.

I must confess that I have not seen the DVD, but have viewed the video many times. It is a pitch-perfect drama. All the actors are superb, particularly Liam Neeson as a low-life ex cop turned private investigator/divorce fixer, and Laura San Giacomo as femme fatale. The plot is complex, unexpected, and well constructed. I've introduced it to a number of friends, and they have all enjoyed it thoroughly (and stayed on the edge of their seats!).