| Flawless | |
 It's funny how many people feel that both Demi Moore and Michael Caine have played themselves in lots of films and that really they don’t tend to tax their acting muscles much. Also that both of them have made some very dodgy career choices over the years and its surprising to see them together then in this little thriller from the director of the calm Il Positino, and more of a surprise that their both pretty good in it.The story is set in 60’s in London where Laura (Moore) is a beautiful and intelligent executive at the world famous London Diamond Corporation. She is angry and frustrated that after years of faithful service she has hit her glass ceiling of employment as men are promoted above her constantly despite her greater experience. Night cleaner Hobbs (Caine) has been observing Laura’s frustration and manages to convince her to help him with an ingenious plan to steal a massive amount of diamonds from the firm. She agrees but he plans to go farther than she would like but the plan is set in motion and things spiral seemingly out of control. From a brilliant opening shot that follows a diamond being mined in Africa through its polishing and creation into jewellery onto a rich person’s finger having lunch in London you get hints that this will be a film with maybe something special to offer. The direction from Radford is calm and self assured with the story and diamond heist handled quietly and subtly in an adult and intelligent way, the set and locations help evoke the 60’s setting very well. It’s a good yarn, not gripping but fully engaging none the less and would be perfect Sunday afternoon or evening viewing with all the family. The actual robbery is cleverly and quietly done by Hobbs, having to contend with newly installed CCTV cameras that were introduced around the time of the films setting in banks and other similar businesses. Caine does well in his older role and seems to have finally come into his own with the recent excellent Is there Anybody There playing parts that match his real age and allowing him again to finally show that he is actually a pretty good actor. It’s also nice to see Moore back in role that lets her act her age as well and she even gets to play herself as an old woman as the story is framed in a flashback technique. Too long have people forgotten that she was a really good actress in the past before she did all that Charlie’s Angel’s crap and became a real cougar catching younger men! Overall it’s worth noting that despite this not doing that well on its theatrical release here or in the states this is something well worth checking out on DVD. It’s a great story and a fascinating one of revenge and one man’s patience and force of will; it has good performances from both leads and a great ending. *** for Film **** for DVD Extras - Commentary, making of, deleted scenes and trailers The commentary is informative and enjoyable, the behind the scenes feature works really well in filling out the story and film making process and a great feature is included on the top 5 real diamond heists, plus some reasonable deleted scenes and a trailer Starring Demi Moore, Michael Caine Directed by Michael Radford Running time: 85 Mins Cert: 15 Review by Mark Cappuccio |
