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Malice | Year: 1993 Classification: Drama Directed: - Harold Becker Actors/Actresses: - Alec Baldwin - Gwyneth Paltrow - Nicole Kidman - Bill Pullman QUIRKY THRILLER REQUIRES UNDIVIDED ATTENTION Previous reviewers have already provided synopsis of the plot so no need for repetition here. I will say that this is one great flick with twists and turns galore. The all-star cast includes Bill Pullman, Nicole Kidman, Alec Baldwin, BeBe Newirth (who played Lilith on "Cheers"), Anne Bancroft, and a young Gwyneth Paltrow in a short lived role as a college student. All deliver stunning performances. Nicole Kidman is absolutely diabolical as Tracy, a young wife whose wholesome, caring demeanor belies a truly evil spirit. Bancroft maximizes a small but meaty role as Tracy's hard luck, alcoholic mother who provides valuable insight into her daughter's past. Alec Baldwin is chilling as Dr. Jed Hill, the thoracic surgeon with a monstrous ego. His doctor/god-syndrome soliloquy alone is worth the price of admission. Reminiscent of the Gordon Gecko (Michael Douglas) greed speech in the movie Wall Street. Bill Pullman is convincing as the charmingly acquiescent college dean who when crossed, proves to be a cunning adversary. I agree with one reviewer who urges several viewings to get the full impact of the storyline and the performances. I've watched this three times and each time I pick up some little tidbit of plot or dialogue that I missed before. A dark, mysterious thriller with quite a few surprises along the way. If you like Hitchcock films, you'll love this. Really good thriller.... If, like me, you somehow missed "Malice' when it was originally released, then you are in for a treat if you view it now. Never being a really big Nicole Kidman fan, I discovered she was at the top of her game in this movie that is all about playing games with the viewer's mind. Alec Baldwin was exceptional and convincing in his role as a doctor with a God-complex. Bill Pullman was cast perfectly for his role as loving husband. Ann Bancroft and George C. Scott gave sterling performances in key roles. Frasier's wife Lilith with Cliff's accent was adequate in a different sort of role for Bebe Neuwirth. Look for a young Gwyneth Paltrow as a troubled college student. The star of this film was definitely the plot twists and turns. Though I waited, I never became so mired in their tangle that I had to sit back and wait for it to work out. I was much to busy being entertained by the maliciously delicious manner the paths of the story took from scene to intriguing scene. Watching older films on DVD I have discovered that most of all I enjoy those that are a 'pleasure' to watch, those they provide entertainment and enjoyment. This film did just that and at no time was it a waste of my time, agreeable or otherwise. My DVD offers a choice of wide-screen or full screen formats. The color saturation was marvelous. There were not a lot of extra features, but the theatrical trailer was different and interesting. Viewers who love thrillers will enjoy 'Malice' as film that has aged well, offers an excellent cast, and retains it ability to thrill and entertain. Twisting and Entertaining Proper enjoyment of this diverting little feature requires not knowing the plot twists, so I'll try to not spoil that enjoyment in praising this film. I join Roger Ebert in not being able to think of another film that throws in a serial killer as just atmosphere - I watched this movie when it first came out a decade ago, then again on DVD yesterday, and I had completely forgotten the part about the serial killer. Aside from the fact that George C. Scott has left us, it would be difficult to assemble a cast like this wouldn't it? Alec Baldwin, Nicole Kidman, Bill Pullman, Anne Bancroft, Gwyneth Paltrow, George C. Scott, Bebe Newirth, Peter Gallagher all contribute to this film. I love to watch films of any genre and any country and the sensation I like to have at the end of the viewing experience is "satisfied" - in the same way that I'd like my palate and belly "satisfied" by a good meal. This screenplay twists and turns, but rather than in a Charlie Kaufman "hey-look-at-how-many-unexpected-twists-and-turns-I-can-put-in" kind of way this story moves in a way that wraps up loose ends in a "satisfied" kind of way. Especially used, this DVD can be had for a song also. It's a satisfactory way to pass a couple of hours. Buy Malice at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Malice Search with the Priority Search Engine on Malice This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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