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Under Suspicion

Under Suspicion (1991)

Sep 27, 1991 1h 39m Crime Thriller

In the late 1950s, British police officer Tony Aaron resigns from the force after sleeping with Hazel, wife of the man whose house he was supposed to guard. In his new job as a fake private investigator, he helps couples get divorces by photographing Hazel having "affairs" with the husband. When she is murdered during a job, Tony begins having an affair with the dead man's mistress, Angeline, while trying to prove his innocence.

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Directed by Simon Moore

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Simon Moore
Writer
  • Simon Moore
Producer
  • Brian Eastman

Reviews

r96sk
7/10

Good.

<em>'Under Suspicion'</em> does fall flat towards the end due to the writing, but the premise is an interesting one for sure. I did start feeling underwhelmed as the film progressed though, despite it still producing a decent neo-noir crime thriller.

Liam Neeson is more than satisfactory in the lead role, with Kenneth Cranham supports suitably. I did like Laura San Giacomo too, while Maggie O'Neill (is it just me who thinks she looks like Lorraine Bracco here?) also features.

Could've been far greater, yet still worthy of a watch.

Nov 23, 2020

JPV852
7/10

Well made crime-drama (with some film noir thrown in) with solid performances from Liam Neeson and Laura San Giacomo. Not crazy good but still I was entertained throughout. **3.75/5**

Jul 23, 2024

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Thematic Analysis

Under Suspicion represents a fascinating example of Crime/Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Simon Moore brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1991, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Under Suspicion took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $6.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 2122 individual shots.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1991, when this film was released:
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Under Suspicion shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Last Boy Scout, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Under Suspicion offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like One Hour Photo and Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid explore similar territory, Under Suspicion stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 27, 1991
  • Runtime: 1h 39m
  • Budget: $6,000,000
  • Revenue: $221,000

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
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