FINAL ANALYSIS
A film review by Sunil Ramchandani
Copyright 1992 Sunil Ramchandani
Starring Richard Gere, Kim Basinger, Uma Thurman, Eric Roberts, and Keith David
Take two of the hottest stars in Hollywood today, throw in some steamy moments between them, add a dash of deception, some wry humor, some violence, all to a base which is distinctly Hitchcockian in flavor, and you have Final Analysis. No, no it isn't all that simple as it sounds. What starts of as a very pretentious and seemingly over sophisticated film shifts into just the right gear midway and doesn't stop till the finish.
Richard Gere plays a Bay Area psychiatrist who while treating one of his patients (played by Uma Thurman) falls in love with her sister (played by Kim Basinger). As Gere plays hooky for the first time in a couple years, and courts Basinger around the scenic Bay and in a deserted, crumbling lighthouse, things seem picture perfect, save for the fact that Basinger is married to an insanely jealous Eric Roberts, a role played very adroitly. In this cameo as Jim Evans, Roberts displays a great flair for panache, and comes across as a very ruthless and chilling character -- just right.
Some scenic shots of the Bay were craftfully done, good cinematography. The background score was excellent, especially towards the end. Of the performances, Richard Gere sleepwalks through most of his role (I still feel that his *best* performances to date were in the films BREATHLESS, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, and AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN -- in that order). Uma Thurman as the mentally disturbed patient is appealing, very vulnerable at most times, quite impulsive and morose during others, and extremely pretty. Basinger is a brilliant surprise, and Keith David as the detective is excellent. Unfortunately though, the screenplay has some holes and lacks spirit and creativity, very uninspiring.
Overall, the movie makes for an entertaining evening. See it, if a suspense thriller is your cup of tea.
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