A dramatic and thrilling study of sexual conflict, jealousy, power and manipulation handled with both lacerating wit and humour, SLEUTH tells the story of a wealthy writer of detective stories and an aspiring yet out-of-work actor who is having an affair with the writer’s wife. The writer's exquisitely modernized Georgian manor becomes the backdrop for a cat and mouse game that pits one creative mind against another.
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"you'll undoubtedly leave the cinema questioning the concept of truth"
Two men; one old but rich, the other young but poor. Both in love with the same woman. Trapped in the millionaire novelist's house, the two play out the ultimate crime-writers' fantasy; an (almost) real-life murder mystery, in a bid to each prove themselves worthy of her affections. The entire film revolves exclusively around two characters, Andrew Wyke (Michael Caine) and Milo Tindle (Jude Law), and within one location; an old country mansion. In fact, the lighting and cinematography manipulate the dramatically modernised interior in a way that brings the house to life, almost making it a third character. I applaud the camera and lighting crew, whose work perfectly complements the actors and gives the film its emotional intensity. Law excels at his seemingly unique talent to be at once unbearable yet utterly compelling. As the duo continuously switch the rules and try to out-bluff each other, Law moves seamlessly from victim to maniac to adoring lover, fuelling Wyke's fantasy just enough to gain his trust, only to exploit and humiliate him later.
Caine once again proves himself as a master of manipulation both as an actor and as a character. He portrays the jealous, conniving and egoistical husband superbly and had me holding my breath in anticipation of what would happen next. The film draws to a satisfying conclusion, but it's left up to the audience to decide who has the final laugh. As reality is mushed up and trust boundaries pushed to their limits to attain the ultimate revenge, you'll undoubtedly leave the cinema questioning the concept of truth.
