A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Secret Window

Date of theatrical release: 2004

Details:

Johnny Depp

John Turturro

Maria Bello

Timothy Hutton

Charles Dutton

Len Cariou

Written & directed by: David Koepp

Original story: Stephen King

Score: 0

The Review: Psychological thriller -- Johnny Depp channels the dark side.

Following separation from his wife (Bello), author Rainey (Depp) has sequestered himself in an isolated lake-side cabin where, one lonely and spooky night, he is confronted by a stranger (Turturro) who claims that one of Rainey's stories was stolen from him and inexpertly rewritten. In the process of trying to prove otherwise, we begin to sense a descent into madness.

Moderately well-crafted Stephen King plot, with some interesting cinematographic "tricks" that, if you notice and pay attention to them, help map out the changing mental landscape. On the other hand, the plot had so many psychological and personality holes in it that one wonders it held together at all. If nothing else, this helps extend Depp's acting range, even if the character is not one you'd want to remember, little say encounter.

The DVD has some interesting "making-of" coverage, which (however) should have spoiler alarms plastered all over it.

(26-Feb-05)

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