Product: SLEUTH - (Russian Import - PAL DVD) (1972)
Rating: 3.0
"There's nothing like a little bit of mayhem to cheer one up."
Joseph L. Mankiewicz's "Sleuth" is a wonderful showcase for its two featured actors. Both Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine chew up the scenery from beginning to end and partake in one of the most memorable battle of wits ever committed to celluloid.Milo Tindle (Caine) is a British hairdresser who is carrying on an affair with Marguerite, the wife of author Andrew Wyke (Olivier). He arrives at Andrew's house one day to discuss the situation and is immediately thrown for a loop when the wealthy mystery writer makes an intriguing proposition. Andrew explains that he has devised a scheme to provide Milo with the funds needed to sustain the luxurious lifestyle of his soon-to-be ex-wife. Since his career only generates a modest income, Milo warms up to the idea. Little does he know that Andrew is about to draw him into a sinister and deadly game of intellect and cunning.Olivier and Caine are at the top of their games in "Sleuth" and are completely mesmerizing as the two duelists trying to gain the advantage over the other. Credit also goes to Anthony Shaffer's screenplay which is delightful, literate, and engrossing. The barbs that roll of the tongues of the two actors are delicious and perfectly written. So clever is the writing that many of the modern-day films that rely so heavily on surprise endings and misdirection owe a debt of gratitude to "Sleuth" for helping to develop the template that these thrillers followed. Yet, the one aspect from this film that will linger in the memory of viewers is the top-notch acting. If anyone ever is in doubt as to the respective skills of Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine, then one viewing of "Sleuth" will assuage all uncertainties.