Sleuth (1972)

A famous author (Laurence Olivier) of murder mysteries invites his wife's (Joanne Woodward) lover (Michael Caine) to his country house to discuss the situation. But when the writer suggests a plan for the lover to rob the safe of jewels so he can claim the insurance money while the lover keeps the jewelry, it is only the beginning of a diabolical plan with twists and turns that neither saw coming. Based on the play by Anthony Shaffer who adapted it for the screen and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz (ALL ABOUT EVE) in his final film. It's basically a filmed play with some half hearted concessions to cinema by tossing in a few exterior scenes. The success of an essentially two character talk fest like this depends on the actors to breathe life into it and both Olivier and Cain acquit themselves proudly. But despite the good acting, it starts to wear out its welcome. Unfortunately, a big "reveal" doesn't work because it's so obvious (not unlike a similar reveal in WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION). I can see it easily working on stage where the audience is distanced but the camera's eye can't hide something that's right in your face. Worth seeing for the excellent acting but the film's not really as clever as it thinks it is. At least in it's cinematic incarnation.