On D List of Movie Reviews

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Dead Again (1991)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 7/17

DeadAgain
7/17: The next film for the Wellesian wunderkind by the name of Kenneth Branagh is Dead Again.

My effort of watching the convoluted film has been worth it. Hence, it's one of the best psychological thrillers I've seen in a while. Sure, the movie starts off awkwardly, has some slow parts, and takes a while to come together.

Then, the pace is picked up during the second half, and it's hard not to be intrigued by the frenetic finish that's sprinkled with unexpected twists. However, there are a couple of logic problems with the plot.

One, if I can make the connection instantly by the looks of the lead characters and Roman and Margaret Strauss, why don't the others, too? Two, is Mike Church really interested in his client? It never looks convincing, thus taking too much away from the plot. As a matter of fact, Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson were married two years before Dead Again was filmed, but they divorced in 1995 due to his infidelity with Helena Bonham Carter which began during the making of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

The strongest aspect is acting. It's well-done with Kenneth Branagh as the standout. I like Wayne Knight's performance as well. Derek Jacobi is effective in a puzzling way. I didn't expect Robin Williams to appear, and I wonder why he was uncredited. It turns out that he didn't want people thinking Dead Again was a comedy which is strange given he's been good in dramas. Either way, it's a nice surprise.

All in all, Dead Again has everything that I can ask for in a psychological neo-noir thriller.