Twisted * (2004, Ashley Judd, Andy Garcia, Samuel L Jackson, David Strathairn) – Classic Movie Review 2727

Director Philip Kaufman’s 2004 thriller promises much but must count as a big disappointment.

A serial killer is at work in San Francisco and all the victims are former lovers of tough but vulnerable newly-promoted police inspector Jessica Shepard (Ashley Judd), who has a troubled past that includes alcoholism and blackouts and a father who was a serial killer. Suspicion must fall on colleague Mike Delmarco (Andy Garcia), mentor John Mills (Samuel L Jackson) or shrink Dr Melvin Frank (David Strathairn) – if only because there aren’t any other suspects.

Brisk, competent work from good, likeable actors and glossy, sometimes stylish filming can’t disguise the contrived, artificial situation and Sarah Thorp’s plodding, predictable, often risible screenplay. [Spoiler alert] And there’s a sense total disappointment at the climax when the obvious suspect turns out to be the actual one.

The striking locations help both to bring interest and character to the film. Well-known San Francisco bars and restaurants in the film include Tosca Cafe and Vesuvio, both on Columbus Avenue in the North Beach district, and Red’s Java House at Pier 40 on the waterfront. Several scenes were also filmed at the Palace of Fine Arts. But praising the locations isn’t the best way to recommend a movie.

Also in the cast are Russell Wong as Lieutenant Tong, Camryn Manheim as Lisa, Mark Pellegrino as Jimmy Schmidt, Titus Welliver, D W Moffett, Richard T Jones, Leland Orser, James Oliver Bullock, William Hall, Joe Duer and Jim Hechim.

By 2015 it was Kaufman’s most recent cinema movie and it is a desperately sad end to a brilliant career. He is the distinguished director of The Right Stuff (1983), The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988) Henry & June (1990), Quills (2000) and Rising Sun (1993). He was the screenwriter for The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) and was to direct it but was replaced as director by Clint Eastwood. His first hit as director was Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978).

Rated R for violence, language and sexuality.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2727

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