Internal Affairs **** (1990, Richard Gere, Andy Garcia, Laurie Metcalf, Nancy Travis, Richard Bradford, William Baldwin, Annabella Sciorra) – Classic Movie Review 2815

In one of his best movies, Richard Gere blazes back on to the screen in 1990 as a bent cop in this brutal, electrifying neo noir police thriller. It is commandingly directed in America by Britain’s Mike Figgis and scaldingly written by Henry Bean.

Gere’s character Dennis Peck is involved in a complex web of crime, which is being investigated by young LA police Internal Affairs detective Raymond Avilla (Andy Garcia) and his lesbian partner Amy Wallace (Laurie Metcalf).

Gere’s Peck character is drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse and driven into corners from which he can only escape by killing again and again. And he also draws Garcia’s wife Kathleen (Nancy Travis) into the psychological duel between the two men.

Figgis brings out the most disturbing but charismatic performances possible from the two male stars, who worryingly play characters with scarcely a redeeming feature, while Metcalf is memorable in support.

The movie also looks great in John A Alonzo’s cinematography and Waldemar Kalinowski’s production designs. And, along with Anthony Marinelli and Brian Banks, Figgis also has a hand in the excellent, driving soundtrack.

Also in the cast are Richard Bradford, William Baldwin, Michael Beach and Annabella Sciorra.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2815

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