“Dead Again” (1991) by Kenneth Branagh

Dead Again by Kenneth Branagh is not a bad film. It is not a great film. It is sort of a good film. The first two acts are very effective and unsettling, with likable and well-done performances by Branagh and his then-wife Emma Thompson. Branagh also shows that not all actors suck as film directors, by using some very interesting techniques, and effective camera placements. His use of the long take for conversations, in medium shot, brings to mind the best films of Woody Allen, strangely enough. Allen also had Branagh play in Celebrity as...Woody Allen.

That said, the characters are well-drawn, the premise is intriguing, and the performances are very good. It develops at a leisurely pace, letting things progress, but it does not bore. Good supporting performances are also given by Robin Williams- who gives the film its funniest bits, Derek Jacobi- who plays a shady and untrustworthy character quite well, and Andy Garcia- who serves as a very good red herring.

The portrayal of the relationship between Branagh and Thompson- both present and past versions, is also well-done and believable. The two, married at the time, have natural chemistry, and Branagh allows things to develop naturally, never rushing things.

The problems come with the ending. I will not spoil it except to say that it is ridiculously overblown and the film quickly descends into self-parody. I would say that it jumps the shark, except I think this ending renders that phrase moot, and deserves a new phrase- jumps into giant scissors. Yes, the villain actually dies by jumping into a pair of giant scissors. Talk about a silly ending.

Overall, I recommend it, but don't expect anything great. Also do NOT expect a full-length review. An amusing diversion, but ultimately nothing worth going out of your way to see, and nothing worth going out of your way to write a full-length review of.

Later on: The Fisher King.