"A Slight Case of Murder" is an excellent TV movie, which is defiantly worth the price of a rental. William H. Macy is great as a movie critic who accidentally kills his mistress, and then has to try to conceal the crime. Although that may sound dark, the film is actually quite light hearted and funny, with many memorable lines ("Acting is harder than I thought- you ever see BODY HEAT? I think I owe Bill Hurt an apology" and my personal favourite "For next week answer these two questions about film noir, What do these people do during the day? and Why is it always raining?). The film has a great supporting cast including Macy's real life wife Felcity Huffman, James Cromwell and Adam Arkin. A must see for Macy fans!
21 Reviews
Fresh, clever, funny
Prophetess26 September 1999
William H. Macy is brilliant as Everyman caught in a desperate situation. Starts off with a bang and never lets up. Twists and surprises are fresh, unpredictable. Use of film noir clips and frequent quotes and references to 30's and 40's flicks makes this a delightful "must" for movie buffs.
A fresh, creative, tight tale of mischief, misdeed, & misadventure
=G=5 October 2001
"A Simple Case of Murder" is a tight and clever little noirish caper comedy-drama made for commercial tv. William H. Macy, that "Fargo" guy, is at the center as a film critic who has an argument with a lady friend who slips, hits her head and dies. What follows is a slow, one step forward and two back unraveling of Macy's cover up scheme which leads to extortion, robbery, murder and lots of tongue-in-cheek humor while Macy narrates from both sides of the camera. A fun little "sleeper" on video.
A nifty little postmodern anti-Columbo
Ian-12119 September 1999
Okay, I love Bill Macy, who's invariably fun to watch, with those pouchy eyes and that "please don't kick me again" expression-- or maybe it's "please don't kick me again so hard." And I love Donald Westlake, one of the best writers of light capers on the scene today. Westlake wrote the novel on which this is based, which I seem to recall reading as "Enough," not "A Travesty," which is what it says in the credits. The combination of these two guys is inspired, all the better in that Macy co-wrote the adaptation and tailored the lead precisely to his acting strengths. Macy just looks like a typical Westlake hero-- only, as one of the other characters points out, he really can't be the hero if he's killed his girlfriend, even accidentally. And he's not really the hero, I guess, although you do sort of root for him. Macy plays Jerry Thorpe, a not-very-nice TV film critic, whose attempts to evade the consequences of committing an accidental murder get more and more involved as the plot thickens. It's an anti-Columbo, where we follow the criminal, not the cop, and wonder when and how he's going to blow it. Macy's stayed true to the book, adding a lot of character touches and a couple of nifty flourishes. He even includes a funny reference to one of his own previous pictures, "Searching for Bobby Fischer." I guess, for me, the fun was just watching Macy have so much fun in a leading role-- like Steve Buscemi, he's a terrific character actor who rarely gets the chance to carry a film. He carries this one, and I hope to see him carry more.
This is what happens when you spend your whole life watching movies.
the red duchess18 May 2001
It is probably the reductio ad absurdum of the self-conscious neo-noir that its ultimate hero/villain/victim should be a film critic, about as far removed from the original prole/lower-middle-class noir heroes (e.g. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice', 'Double Indemnity') as you could get. Faced with a crisis, Terry Thorpe turns it into a screenplay, a fiction. And this is what saves the film from smart-alecky ghastliness - it is a film about mid-life crisis, the flaws and difficulties of the modern affluent, middle-aged man. it seems like noir can still speak for people rather than to itself, but this often palls - the best joke is a corpse called Laura who doesn't get up.
Lightly amusing--pretty good for a TNT original
ALauff15 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
William H. Macy is a film critic caught in a spider web of deceit in this TNT original, co-written by Macy, a self-referential noir in which Macy speaks directly into the camera to us, letting us know he's not such a bad guy even as he accidentally kills his mistress, brains his blackmailer, robs a bank and screws the head investigator's wife. Macy is so likable he makes any number of lame situations work, and the disjunction between his relationship with us and with the characters on-screen is pretty amusing. There is even some pretty amusing subtext about the critical constipation and impotency of critics, but it never drills very much beneath the ironically detached veneer to be more than lightly satisfying.
Like an episode of "Columbo" with William H. Macy....
merklekranz3 March 2008
Just as in "Columbo" we see the fatality occur right at the beginning. What follows is an escalating web of lies, sex, blackmail, and murder. The investigating officer, Adam Arkin, is even somewhat of a fumbler, not unlike "Columbo". It is William H. Macy, as the movie critic suspect who carries the film. Constantly twisting and turning, the plot sends Macy deeper and deeper into the quicksand of his "perfect crime". William H. Macy fans will enjoy "A Slight Case Of Murder", as will those who like crime capers with all kinds of delicious possibilities. Add some well timed comedy, and this is very similar to a fine episode of "Columbo". Highly recommended. - MERK
Prepare to shelve your critical faculties and emit a loud, bipartisan "wheeeeee!".
davelocke26 September 1999
Co-scripted by William H. Macy from, arguably, Donald E. Westlake's best and hardest to find novel, "A Travesty". *Very* faithful to the story, the movie stars Macy as a hapless man who gets in way too far over his head after attempting to cover up an accidental death. Costars Adam Arkin and James Cromwell in good supporting roles. The strength of the movie is in the intricate twist-after-twist storyline and in the acting, particularly by Macy who routinely and delightfully breaks through the 4th wall here and gets away with it every time. A good storyline with much dark humor, this one engaged me enough that I've watched it three times in the week since it came out. Prepare to shelve your critical faculties and emit a loud, bipartisan "wheeeeee!".
Fun movie to watch
oslcool9 July 2001
I can not say this movie was a hilarious, but I must have had a grin on my face the entire time. I like this darker kind of comedy; "very bad things", "8 heads in a duffel bag" or "coldblooded"
The way the main character tries to get away with murder is a lot of fun to watch. To me it was not much of a surprise what the ending would be, but the way that ending came about was. Another thing that sticks out, is the way they have managed to involve the audience. The way Terry looks at us is hilarious, you can almost pretend you're his accomplice.
The way the main character tries to get away with murder is a lot of fun to watch. To me it was not much of a surprise what the ending would be, but the way that ending came about was. Another thing that sticks out, is the way they have managed to involve the audience. The way Terry looks at us is hilarious, you can almost pretend you're his accomplice.
I feel guilty!
CSniezek19 September 1999
Warning: Spoilers
This was a riveting film, one that really drew me in. I'm a big fan of William H. Macy, and he puts in a wonderful performance. His great likeability, coupled with the way his character breaks the fourth wall, really gave me a sense of complicity in his actions. I found myself waiting tensely for the whole house of cards to come collapsing down around him (and by extension myself, as his confidante and silent witness). It took several minutes for me to relax once the film had ended, I was so wrapped up in it.
Good performances all around, too, not just with Macy. Arkin was quite good, as was Cromwell (he was surprisingly fierce). In short, I highly recommend this film to any fans of Macy and/or the murder mystery. But you may want to prepare to feel a little guilty.
Good performances all around, too, not just with Macy. Arkin was quite good, as was Cromwell (he was surprisingly fierce). In short, I highly recommend this film to any fans of Macy and/or the murder mystery. But you may want to prepare to feel a little guilty.
A terrific dark comedy that grabs you from the start!
natebbn19 September 1999
William H. Macy is terrific in this Alfred Hitchcock-esque film. Macy stars as a film critic who accidentally kills one of his girlfriends. The characters that ensue are hilarious. James Cromwell gives a terrific performance as a blackmailing private detective. As always, Macy is incredibly funny and gives a phenomenal performance. See this movie whenever it is on t.v. and check your video stores because this is one you don't want to miss.
Delicious contemporary film noir
canepa6 September 1999
William Macy is perfect in this unique contemporary film noir. The look is 40's although its not really a period piece. The interaction of Adam Arkin and Macy is electric, with multiple cat and mouse games being played.
This movie raises the bar in TV movies, and is an intelligent entertainment with an unguessable ending.
Loved it.
This movie raises the bar in TV movies, and is an intelligent entertainment with an unguessable ending.
Loved it.
Cute, quirky spoof on Murder Mysteries!
Thirstee1 September 1999
I saw this last night at a screening for a marketing company. It is Fargoesque, and was a lot of fun to watch. It held my attention all the way through and did not seem to lag at all. I'd recommend watching it when it airs!
Very, very, very good!
grimsi7 July 2000
This one was a surprise and better than most films I've seen recently. Highly enjoyable from start to finish, this is a film that will surely satisfy 99,9% of movie fans worldwide. Great acting from everyone, great script, great story and fantastic plot and twists. Try not to miss it!
HBO finally has competition for great made-for-TV fare
Leroy-1324 August 1999
Turner and friends are closing in on HBO for the top spot among made-for-TV movie producers. This is a nicely paced, contemplative thriller of sorts. William Macy is stellar, as always, and Adam Arkin offers one of his better performances. A bit more lively than classic Hitchcock but not as in-your-face as typical movies of its type, A Slight Case of Murder eases you in and never lets go. (Note: I saw a preview copy, which means I didn't have to wait through commercials. Those interruptions may hurt the pacing, but you know this will be available on video sometime
Another forgotten tv movie
valyruiz00721 December 2003
when I realized that the main character in this movie is the same man (William H. Macy) who provocate all the deaths in FARGO. I said "man, you are a real maniatic". the story has his own way to tell the story.
also the camera takes are fantastic. the first take "going up the building" are awsome, very clever.
I trully recommend this picture, not only because the story, is a great movie if you're a "Movie Classics Lover".
also the camera takes are fantastic. the first take "going up the building" are awsome, very clever.
I trully recommend this picture, not only because the story, is a great movie if you're a "Movie Classics Lover".
Dark comedy as top form Macy goes from innocent to murderer
adrianovasconcelos3 March 2024
William H. Macy delivers superbly as film/book critic Terry Thorpe, with the added kudo that he also collaborated in the script - one full of clever repartee, sharp dialogue, humorous monologues, and telling glances and stares at the spectator from his innocent baby blue eyes.
Credit must also go to Director Steven Schachter for getting Macy, the menacing former corrupt cop James Cromwell, the cuckolded and future corrupt cop Adam Arkin (son of the late great Alan), and sexy nymphs Felicity Huffman and Julia Campbell to perform so brilliantly in a plot full of twists and unexpected turns.
Fitting cinematography by André Pienaar, gem snippets from major films noir like GASLIGHT (1944), DOUBLE INDEMNITY, THE THIN MAN, THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE, and a crisp score by Mader. All to the good.
I just did not care for the final line spoken by Macy: needlessly obvious. 8/10.
Credit must also go to Director Steven Schachter for getting Macy, the menacing former corrupt cop James Cromwell, the cuckolded and future corrupt cop Adam Arkin (son of the late great Alan), and sexy nymphs Felicity Huffman and Julia Campbell to perform so brilliantly in a plot full of twists and unexpected turns.
Fitting cinematography by André Pienaar, gem snippets from major films noir like GASLIGHT (1944), DOUBLE INDEMNITY, THE THIN MAN, THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE, and a crisp score by Mader. All to the good.
I just did not care for the final line spoken by Macy: needlessly obvious. 8/10.
Pretty good fare
McClane-524 September 1999
Not a stunner, but a good movie to see once or twice. Bill Macy shows he can do more than just act; his writing was pretty darn good. Great supporting cast, especially Jamie Cromwell as the extortionist private eye.
The movie's greatest strength is the work of Macy, who reminds us of his Jerry Lundergaard role from Fargo. He has numerous scenes where he is extremely funny as a slimy, manipulating and deceitful character. It's enjoyable to watch him be a weasel, and for a while I was happy that things were turning out well for him. *** out of four.
The movie's greatest strength is the work of Macy, who reminds us of his Jerry Lundergaard role from Fargo. He has numerous scenes where he is extremely funny as a slimy, manipulating and deceitful character. It's enjoyable to watch him be a weasel, and for a while I was happy that things were turning out well for him. *** out of four.
Novel comedy, writing and starring credits to William H. Macy.
TxMike26 May 2001
Warning: Spoilers
CAUTION -- CONTAINS SPOILERS --
"A Slight Case of Murder" stars William H. Macy in a role not that different from the car salesman he plays in "Fargo." Here he is a professional movie critic, and often his character speaks at the audience, directly into the camera. Although he has a nice, attractive and devoted girlfriend, he is weak. He is having an affair with a co-worker when she accidentally slips and dies while he is with her. Afraid, he slips away in the night, but is photographed by a PI (James Cromwell, who was the farmer in "Babe") hired by the jealous, separated husband. The PI attempts to blackmail him, and Macy whacks him, eventually disposing of the body parts in a lake over the side of his girlfriend's sailboat while she is fast asleep after he drugs her wine.
Meanwhile the detective (Adam Arkin, "Adam" on Northern Exposure) befriends Macy, who ends up having an affair with the detective's wife. At the conclusion, as it appears that Macy will get away with his various transgressions, and is all set to have a happy life with his girlfriend, he comes home and his apartment is overrun with police. The detective has found out about the affair with his wife, decides to plant evidence (back door key, blood on shoes) to frame Macy in retaliation for seducing his wife, not for a second thinking he is really guilty.
As the movie ends, and Macy is being taken away in a cop car, he says, "If you ever decide to commit murder -- and I don't recommend that you do -- don't complicate matters by getting involved with the detective's wife." Macy co-wrote the screenplay, and plays the main character very well. For good entertainment, and a moderate amount of suspense, I rate it "7" of 10.
"A Slight Case of Murder" stars William H. Macy in a role not that different from the car salesman he plays in "Fargo." Here he is a professional movie critic, and often his character speaks at the audience, directly into the camera. Although he has a nice, attractive and devoted girlfriend, he is weak. He is having an affair with a co-worker when she accidentally slips and dies while he is with her. Afraid, he slips away in the night, but is photographed by a PI (James Cromwell, who was the farmer in "Babe") hired by the jealous, separated husband. The PI attempts to blackmail him, and Macy whacks him, eventually disposing of the body parts in a lake over the side of his girlfriend's sailboat while she is fast asleep after he drugs her wine.
Meanwhile the detective (Adam Arkin, "Adam" on Northern Exposure) befriends Macy, who ends up having an affair with the detective's wife. At the conclusion, as it appears that Macy will get away with his various transgressions, and is all set to have a happy life with his girlfriend, he comes home and his apartment is overrun with police. The detective has found out about the affair with his wife, decides to plant evidence (back door key, blood on shoes) to frame Macy in retaliation for seducing his wife, not for a second thinking he is really guilty.
As the movie ends, and Macy is being taken away in a cop car, he says, "If you ever decide to commit murder -- and I don't recommend that you do -- don't complicate matters by getting involved with the detective's wife." Macy co-wrote the screenplay, and plays the main character very well. For good entertainment, and a moderate amount of suspense, I rate it "7" of 10.
Must see filmbuff flick
loupgarou-228 February 2001
Macy is aces as always in this funny send-up of noirish films. Many funny references to other films, really a moviebuff's movie. Highly recommended. Kudos again to Turner Movies. They are a class act in television movies.
fun TV movie
blanche-214 September 2011
William H. Macy is dealing with "A Slight Case of Murder" as well as with his libido and blackmail in this 1999 TNT movie. The film also stars Felicity Huffman, Adam Arkin, James Cromwell, Julia Campbell, Paul Mazurski, and Vincent Pastore.
Macy plays a film critic and teacher, Terry Thorpe, who accidentally kills his girlfriend and becomes frantic to cover up the crime and hide the body. The matter is complicated by a detective (Cromwell) who saw him at the building and is now attempting to blackmail him. Then Thorpe makes the fatal mistake of getting involved with someone else -- someone else besides his other, alive girlfriend, played by Felicity Huffman.
Using a convention from Columbo, Thorpe works on forming a friendship with the detective assigned to the case, Stapelli (Arkin) - which has interesting consequences.
Macy is the same befuddled wreck that he was in Fargo, but he's smarter and more worldly. He gives a wonderful, wacky performance in a film that is filled with all kinds of humorous dialogue and humorous moments, despite the subject. A fresh twist on the film noir. Recommended.
Macy plays a film critic and teacher, Terry Thorpe, who accidentally kills his girlfriend and becomes frantic to cover up the crime and hide the body. The matter is complicated by a detective (Cromwell) who saw him at the building and is now attempting to blackmail him. Then Thorpe makes the fatal mistake of getting involved with someone else -- someone else besides his other, alive girlfriend, played by Felicity Huffman.
Using a convention from Columbo, Thorpe works on forming a friendship with the detective assigned to the case, Stapelli (Arkin) - which has interesting consequences.
Macy is the same befuddled wreck that he was in Fargo, but he's smarter and more worldly. He gives a wonderful, wacky performance in a film that is filled with all kinds of humorous dialogue and humorous moments, despite the subject. A fresh twist on the film noir. Recommended.
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