"Malice" features three of the finest actors in business - Alec Baldwin, Bill Pullman and Nicole Kidman in a brilliantly crafted complex mystery with smart direction and great screen writing. The plot twists are quite clever and they alter the pace and flavor of the story in a fruitful manner. There are indeed some unnecessary subplots present just in order to bring out those twists, but where isn't? I partly agree with a previous commenter who thinks Hitchcock would attempt for such a story if he had lived to this day.
Among the actors, Alec Baldwin shines bright as the rather eccentric and egotistic doctor. He was quite helped by the screenplay to show off his talents. Bill Pullman also had some of his best moments in this film, especially in the last confrontation with Kidman's character Tracy in the restaurant. Kidman, on the other hand, is a little dull for her role, which is extremely challenging according to the film's plot. There's also Bebe Newirth with a fake accent and an early Gwyneth Paltrow in minor roles.
The script is exceptionally good. There are plenty of memorable quotes and quite less cheeky dialogues. The monologue of Alec Baldwin towards Peter Gallagher about his 'god complex' is priceless, however unrealistic it may seem. Same can be said about the last Pullman-Kidman meeting. It's actually quite refreshing to see a thriller with such smart dialogues. Aaron Sorkin's next works are therefore highly anticipated.
Among the actors, Alec Baldwin shines bright as the rather eccentric and egotistic doctor. He was quite helped by the screenplay to show off his talents. Bill Pullman also had some of his best moments in this film, especially in the last confrontation with Kidman's character Tracy in the restaurant. Kidman, on the other hand, is a little dull for her role, which is extremely challenging according to the film's plot. There's also Bebe Newirth with a fake accent and an early Gwyneth Paltrow in minor roles.
The script is exceptionally good. There are plenty of memorable quotes and quite less cheeky dialogues. The monologue of Alec Baldwin towards Peter Gallagher about his 'god complex' is priceless, however unrealistic it may seem. Same can be said about the last Pullman-Kidman meeting. It's actually quite refreshing to see a thriller with such smart dialogues. Aaron Sorkin's next works are therefore highly anticipated.