Someone to Watch Over Me is not the best movie from Ridley Scott's extensive collection of directorial works. His prior film, the fantasy film Legend, was a box office failure. This too would turn into a box office disappointment. I consider this film a creative disappointment. It has some neat stylish flairs and the wealthy socialite versus middle-class argument is well-intentioned. Rather, the film is borderline aggravating because it is very slow and not enough tension builds to offset that slowness. While the individual performances are fine, I did not feel a sexual connection between man/wife nor man/socialite, although the scenes themselves were made with impeccable craft. Considering the talent behind and in front of the camera, I expected more with this movie.
Ridley Scott came up with the idea for the film in 1982 when he discussed the story with screenwriter Howard Franklin. Scott became enamored with the idea because it told a very personal story that highlights the differences between the middle-class and the wealthy, which is an intriguing idea the film manages to convey. Then, the script lost tension and unpredictability and eventually became something I managed to predict beat-to-beat. Definitely could have been so much more. Scott and team did do a good job with casting. Tom Berenger was hired based on his success in Platoon. Lorraine Bracco, whom we would all come to know on the hit television series The Sopranos, actually gave the film's best performance. They got the right idea with the noir feeling this movie gives off, but it just quite doesn't reach those lofty heights.
Mike Keegan (Tom Berenger) lives in a middle-class neighborhood in Queens. He is a police officer who lives with his wife, Ellie (Lorraine Bracco) and his son, Tommy. Mike is celebrating his promotion to detective in his Manhattan precinct. Meanwhile, the wealthy Claire Gregory (Mimi Rogers) witnesses the owner of the club she's at gunned down from a powerful mafioso, Joey Venza (Andreas Katsulas). Mike is assigned the night shift to protect her at her Manhattan apartment. As Mike is drawn in deeper to her life and her way of living, so is his family. Nothing may prepare them for what happens next.
The individual performances are mostly great. Lorraine Bracco delivers a performance that is vivacious and energetic, something that you usually do not see from her roles. I loved the scene where she flat out pounds Mike about their marriage. Tom Berenger is also very good as you can easily see him being drawn into the world of the rich. Mimi Rogers does not deliver as good of a performance. Her style just did not give off the proper vibes. When it comes to the chemistry, I found it lacking. The sexual tension was supposed to be crackling, but sadly was only limping.
Overall, Someone to Watch Over Me did not live up to its potential. It was missing a few key ingredients. Scott certainly gave the film style. One could say he has an eye for interior design. I mean, did you see that kitchen? It was the substance that was lacking. A few good ideas went to waste in this predictable, standard police thriller. Also, the film could have had a better ending. It was not an entirely satisfying ending.
My Grade: C
Review of Someone to Watch Over Me
