Some sequences in "Dead in the Water" are reminiscent of a number of movies: "Double Indemnity", "A Place in the Sun", "The Grifters" and even Dennis Hopper's "The Hot Spot", but you hardly notice the déjà vu because everything is so perfectly put together in this witty, clever thriller.
Charlie Deegan, played by Aussie actor, Bryan Brown, has married the wealthy Olivia, played by Anne De Salvo. Although Charlie had the choice of hiring a secretary with 'great typing skills but bad legs', he instead hired Laura Stewart, played by Terri Hatcher, and as he says, "Before Laura, I had never been one to stay late at the office". Although he realises that "...the smart thing to do would be to fire her", he adds knowingly, "Nobody is that smart".
Eventually, Charlie wants out of his marriage to be with Laura – but wants to keep all the money and realise his ambition of becoming a judge as well – it's a problem that can only really be resolved with the murder of his wife.
To cover his tracks, the plan involves Charlie having an affair with Victoria, played by Veronica Cartwright, a friend of his wife whom he despises. However, she proves to be far wilier and more ambitious than he is. Between her and Frank Vaness, an astute detective played by Seymour Cassel, his plans come unstuck at just about every turn.
Bryan Brown may not be a producer's first choice for Richard III, but in a role that calls for a little villainy tempered with a wry sense of humour, he is your man. Charlie narrates the film, and it works beautifully thanks to a witty script. His Australian background is dealt with in an exchange with his wife when she reminds him that if it weren't for her father, he would "...still be wading through sheep dip at a billabong barbecue". Weird, but it sort of sounds Australian.
Terri Hatcher gives new meaning to the words femme fatale in this film. "Dead in the Water" was made in that period before "Desperate Housewives" when she played a succession of what seemed like supporting roles in a number of movies where, with the exception of "2 Days in the Valley", the filmmakers didn't seem to know what to do with her. Not here though; the filmmakers appreciated what they had, and gave her a role that suited that stunning beauty and presence that makes it easy to believe why Charlie is ready to risk everything.
The film has a look, with great use of shadows. It has a good score with a light jazzy theme, which transitions to more ominous tones as the tension builds. The film walks the line between light and dark and doesn't shrink back from a shock or two – it also has some genuinely surprising twists.
"Dead in the Water" works on just about every level; it's a sleeper that's definitely worth seeking out.
Charlie Deegan, played by Aussie actor, Bryan Brown, has married the wealthy Olivia, played by Anne De Salvo. Although Charlie had the choice of hiring a secretary with 'great typing skills but bad legs', he instead hired Laura Stewart, played by Terri Hatcher, and as he says, "Before Laura, I had never been one to stay late at the office". Although he realises that "...the smart thing to do would be to fire her", he adds knowingly, "Nobody is that smart".
Eventually, Charlie wants out of his marriage to be with Laura – but wants to keep all the money and realise his ambition of becoming a judge as well – it's a problem that can only really be resolved with the murder of his wife.
To cover his tracks, the plan involves Charlie having an affair with Victoria, played by Veronica Cartwright, a friend of his wife whom he despises. However, she proves to be far wilier and more ambitious than he is. Between her and Frank Vaness, an astute detective played by Seymour Cassel, his plans come unstuck at just about every turn.
Bryan Brown may not be a producer's first choice for Richard III, but in a role that calls for a little villainy tempered with a wry sense of humour, he is your man. Charlie narrates the film, and it works beautifully thanks to a witty script. His Australian background is dealt with in an exchange with his wife when she reminds him that if it weren't for her father, he would "...still be wading through sheep dip at a billabong barbecue". Weird, but it sort of sounds Australian.
Terri Hatcher gives new meaning to the words femme fatale in this film. "Dead in the Water" was made in that period before "Desperate Housewives" when she played a succession of what seemed like supporting roles in a number of movies where, with the exception of "2 Days in the Valley", the filmmakers didn't seem to know what to do with her. Not here though; the filmmakers appreciated what they had, and gave her a role that suited that stunning beauty and presence that makes it easy to believe why Charlie is ready to risk everything.
The film has a look, with great use of shadows. It has a good score with a light jazzy theme, which transitions to more ominous tones as the tension builds. The film walks the line between light and dark and doesn't shrink back from a shock or two – it also has some genuinely surprising twists.
"Dead in the Water" works on just about every level; it's a sleeper that's definitely worth seeking out.