Sleuth

Perhaps one of the most unusual films I have ever seen. I spent the whole time in the cinema wondering if I was actually enjoying the story or whether I wanted to get up and leave.

Sleuth is a strange and interesting film directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Michael Caine as Andrew Wyke and Jude Law as Milo Tindle. It is a remake of the 1972 film of the same name, also starring Michael Caine (as a different character).

It seems strangely awkward on the big screen with only two characters and very dramatic dialogue and it feels as though it would fit better on the stage, but somehow, bizarrely...it works as a movie.

Michael Caine and Jude Law have great on-screen chemistry, the personalities of their characters bounce off one another perfectly and their absurd banter and twisted game playing is gripping.

The plot is simple yet effective, there are no complicated twists and turns or interlinking story lines. It is purely about the power battle (so to speak) between two slightly unhinged men. As usual, their conflict is centered around a woman's affections.

Sleuth is full of jump cuts, reminding the audience that it is a movie that they are watching and not a stage production. These techniques add to the unnerving atmosphere being created by the characters.

Some of the camera angles used are fresh and innovative. One of the opening shots is a birds eye view as Andrew opens his front door to Milo, all that is visible of Andrew is his hand as he extends it to greet Milo. It is such an unusual shot that it really makes you sit up and take notice.

I wouldn't recommend Sleuth to those of you who are looking to get lost in a conventional Hollywood plot line, but if you're looking for something new and different or if you're interested in film techniques then go and see it now!