Under Suspicion (1991)

User Rating:

6.4/10   

Director:

Simon Moore

Writer:

Simon Moore (written by)

Release Date:

28 February 1992 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

How close can you get to a killer before you're too close?

Plot:

In 1959 Brighton, disgraced cop turned private detective Tony Aaron works largely on falsifying adulteries for use as evidence in divorce cases...

Plot Keywords:

Private Detective | Male Frontal Nudity | Police | Murder | Female Frontal Nudity

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Liam Neeson	...	Tony Aaron
Kenneth Cranham	...	Frank
Maggie O'Neill	...	Hazel Aaron
Alan Talbot	...	Powers
Malcolm Storry	...	Waterston
Martin Grace	...	Colin
Kevin Moore	...	Barrister
Stephen Oxley	...	Hotel Deskman
Colin Dudley	...	Hotel Waiter
Richard Graham	...	Denny
Alison Ruffelle	...	1st Chambermaid
Michael Almaz	...	Stasio
Victoria Alcock	...	2nd Chambermaid
Tony Hughes	...	Undertaker
Alphonsia Emmanuel	...	Selina

Runtime:

99 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Rankcolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

USA:R (certificate #31200) | Iceland:16 | Finland:K-16 | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK

Company:

Carnival Films

Goofs:

Anachronisms: Set in the late 1950s, a pair of 1980s British Telecom phone booths are visible immediately after the opening sequence as Tony Aaron steps out of his car.

Soundtrack:

CHRISTMAS ISLAND

Well done and interesting crime thriller

Under Suspicion apparently flew completely under the radar upon release in 1991, and that's really not all that surprising. The film is actually a very well done little crime thriller; but it features a very simple plot line and plays out almost like a classic film noir (as opposed to a 'cool' crime thriller in the vein of Goodfellas or Reservoir Dogs), and as a result the film doesn't stand out much. It actually seems like it could have been made for television as most of the cast (Liam Neeson aside) will be recognisable to anyone that has seen a handful of British TV shows and it's very modest all the way through. The film takes place in the fifties and we focus on private detective/disgraced former policeman Tony Aaron. Aaron makes a living through the illegal practise of faking affairs in order to beat the strict divorce laws. He begins using his wife for these capers; but is given a shock when his wife and a client are found dead in their room. An investigation into the killings ensues, with our detective as the prime suspect.

The plot is definitely this film's main strongpoint, and it is carried off well. Director Simon Moore does a good job of getting his audience interested in the characters, which allows him to weave the simple, but twisted tale. Liam Neeson won some award for his portrayal of the central character, and it is a really good performance. This sort of role can often be difficult for actors to play because the character is essentially scum, but we do feel for him; and this is thanks to the charismatic and warm performance. The ensemble cast is rather impressive and, as mentioned, many British viewers will recognise a lot of faces. The mystery is constantly intriguing and we are made to wonder who has committed the crimes. It does have to be said that the final third of the movie not as interesting as the first two; but all in all, this is a well worked and interesting little thriller that is rounded off by a strong ending. I wouldn't recommend anyone goes out of their way to see this film; but it's certainly worth a look if you do find a copy.