Sleuth (2007)

On his sprawling country estate, an aging writer matches wits with the struggling actor who has stolen his wife's heart.

Director:

Kenneth Branagh

Writers:

Anthony Shaffer (adapted from the play by), Harold Pinter (screenplay)

Stars:

Michael Caine, Jude Law, Harold Pinter

2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Michael Caine	...	Andrew
Jude Law	...	Milo
Harold Pinter	...	Man on T.V.

Storyline

Two extremely clever British men are in a game of trickery and deceit. Andrew Wyke, an aging famous author who lives alone in a high-tech mansion, after his wife Maggie has left him for a younger man; and Milo Tindle, an aspiring actor, equipped with charm and wit, who demonstrates both qualities once again. When Wyke invites Tindle to his mansion, Tindle seeks to convince the former into letting his wife go by signing the divorce paper. However, Wyke seems far more interested in playing mind games with his wife's new lover, and lures him into a series of actions he thoroughly planned in seeking revenge on his unfaithful spouse.

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Plot Keywords:

unfaithfulness | watching tv | deception | standing on a bed | actor | 

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Taglines:

Obey the rules.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Both the artworks in Andrew's home and the jewels in his safe are real. They were on loan for the film and had to be heavily insured and guarded.

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Goofs

(at around 1h 6 mins) The jewels that Milo puts onto Andrew disappear after Milo tells Andrew that it is just a game.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Andrew Wyke: Yes?
Milo Tindle: Andrew Wyke?
Andrew Wyke: That's right.
Milo Tindle: I'm Milo Tindle.

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Connections

Referenced in Dracula (2009)

User Reviews

Agreeable mystery based on successful play about a cat and mouse game

Andrew Wyke (Michael Caine) is a famous writer who lives in a monitored with high tech and stark house . He is a successful novelist , a master of menace , the number one bestseller author from Baron Books . The luxurious but cold British mansion is full of modern furniture, cameras and surveillance activated. There arrives Milo (Jude Law, also producer), a hairdresser and aspiring actor who seeks to convince the former for signing the divorce papers and Andrew in seeking avenge on his detested and unfaithful wife. Then happens a cat and mouse thriller and both are the peak of their game in this dazzling film. An ultimate game is being played on its audience.

This lighthearted suspense/mystery is well adapted by Harold Pinter from Anthony Shaffer's hit play about games-playing mystery novelist played by Caine leading his spouse's lover performed by Law into diabolical trap. This interesting movie is plenty of twists and turns and stunning surprises. Splendid and fascinating performances , a real Tour De force for two stars. Cameo by the screenwriter Harold Pinter and director Kenneth Branagh as men on TV. Packs a minimalist soundtrack , including a haunting, remarkable musical leitmotif by Patrick Doyle. Colorful cinematography by Haris Zambarloukis and modern production design. This deliciously sardonic and witty movie is professionally directed by Kenneth Branagh . However, it is inferior the first version that was a flawlessly acted masterpiece directed by Joseph L Mankiewicz, in his last film, with Laurence Olivier and again Michael Caine. In the similar style was subsequently filmed 'Deathtrap' by Sidney Lumet with Christopher Reeve, Dyan Cannon and also Michael Caine. Rating : Good, delicious from start to finish. It's a great and enjoyable fun.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [United States] Paramount Pictures [UK]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 November 2007 (UK)

Also Known As:

Juegos siniestros

Filming Locations:

Twickenham Film Studios, St Margarets, Twickenham, Middlesex, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$50,100, 14 October 2007

Gross USA:

$342,895

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,889,751

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sony Pictures Classics, Castle Rock Entertainment, Riff Raff Film Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS DTS

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1