DEAD AGAIN
A film review by Desiree Sy
Copyright 1991 Desiree Sy
(1991, directed by Kenneth Branagh)
DEAD AGAIN is a stylishly executed thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously. The plot of the movie is a double mystery: who murdered the beautiful concert pianist Margaret Strauss in 1945, and what is the identity of the amnesiac woman who looks just like her in 1991? As the title implies, murder could occur more than once.
Both roles are played by Emma Thompson, just as the double roles of Margaret's husband, conductor Roman Strauss -- who was convicted and executed for the murder -- and the investigator Mike Church are played by her husband, Kenneth Branagh.
The interior plot of the Strausses is filmed in black and white, and pays homage to the large, lavish genre of black and white films of the 40s. Roman and Margaret live in a large, lavish mansion, wear beautiful clothes, attend large, lavish parties, and even have beautifully overblown arguments.
The major plot of Mike Church and the amnesiac, though in colour and contemporary, also pays homage to various types of film. From the running chases down sidewalks and over fences to the rain-drenched dancing on a roof, DEAD AGAIN echoes faintly with the romance of other films. DEAD AGAIN manages to poke gentle fun at Hitchcock (the murder implement is a valuable antique pair of scissors), art (the decoration of the woman's apartment provides a very funny set of clues to her identity), and even I, CLAUDIUS and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.
Robin Williams and Derek Jacobi in supporting roles as the lunatic ex-psychiatrist who counsels Mike, and the slightly dishonest hypnotist-cum-antiquarian who regresses the woman hypnotically into her past life both steal scenes shamelessly.
Branagh and Thompson give performances that are very enjoyable to watch -- and that they clearly enjoyed giving. (Branagh's American accent sounds surprisingly like Mandy Patinkin's voice) Although I found the ending slightly disappointing, the film is well-plotted, and has one deft twist mid-movie.
To say more is give away plot details. If you're in the mood for a slick but gentle thriller (or if you're a Branagh fan -- as I am), I'd recommend DEAD AGAIN strongly.
-desiree
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