Trying to post this one again...
Added 8/28/2009
Mute Witness (Anthony Waller, 1994)
Interesting little mystery/thriller from Waller (An American Werewolf in Paris), who in his second film crafted something that, while it's faded into obscurity (and wasn't all that well-known even when released) in the fifteen years since it came out, is still a worthwhile thrill ride that you should rediscover, if you like this type of thing.
Mute Witness is the story of Billy Hughes (Russian actress Maria Zudina of Under Northern Lights), a mute makeup artist who communicates with her film crew through her sister Karen (TV actress Fay Ripley, last on the big screen in 2000's The Announcement). The two of them are working on a slasher film being made in Moscow. After a long day of filming, Billy has forgotten something on location. When she goes back to get it, she stumbles upon what looks like a snuff film being made by some of the nastier elements of the crew. They discover her spying and pursue her, but she gets away and comes back with the cops. The crew dismiss it as a good piece of special effects, and it seems everyone's willing to let the matter rest, but Billy suspects her life may be in danger. How to convince both the American portion of the crew and the police that there's a real problem here?
Tense, well-done, and expertly shot, Mute Witness is a perfect film for when you're looking for a good thriller, and one you probably haven't seen before. It's also worth noting that this is the final feature in which Sir Alec Guinness appeared, though Waller shot the footage back in 1985 (for an earlier draft of the movie that was never completed). As with most mysteries of this stripe, there are a few places where it really stretches credibility, and some character decisions that can generously be described as idiotic, but by now we've come to expect that, and you can't count it too much against this. Worth seeking out. *** ½
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Suspenseful Gem
Added 4/9/2009
Mute Witness is one of those great thrillers that no one has ever heard of. Imagine yourself in mortal danger and being unable to call for help. This is a film Hitchcock would have relished making.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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A Memorable Movie
Added 3/9/2009
I loved this movie when it first came out. Totally enjoyable. Its slightly dated but still well worth the watch. The subject of "snuff films" was new to me. They're said to be urban legend but, knowing the depth that human nature can dive (specially for $), I tend to believe there's some truth in here. Very creepy/scarey due to the fact that its possible.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Obe Wan? How Could You?!...
Added 6/6/2008
MUTE WITNESS starts off with a bloody murder that isn't what it appears to be. Then, main character, Billy Hughes (Marina Sodina) witnesses what she believes is a real snuff-film being filmed. This leads into a very suspenseful part of the movie that even snagged my short attention span! Billy is of course the MUTE WITNESS, and her silent screams add tension and horror to the procedings. Her desperate attempts to elude the human monsters on her trail are some of the best I've seen. The scenes in the dilapidated film studio and in Billy's apartment are shot with sadistic perfection! The entire cast is great, with the russian cop being another standout. Fay Ripley is strong as Billy's sister and the only one who seems to believe her story. At times, I was reminded of the movie 8mm. There are also some parallels between this one and FX. However, MUTE WITNESS has enough originality and explosiveness to overcome any similarities! Watch for Sir Alec Guiness (Star Wars) as mysterious Reaper...
4 out of 4 people found this helpful.
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A thriller to remember
Added 3/12/2008
This is a great thriller. One of the best. The scenes where she is being chased and can't speak to let people know she is in serious trouble... it makes you want to scream for her, but the people in the movie can't hear you either so you just sit there screaming at the screen and clenching your hands so tightly that you just want to jump out of your own skin. A great movie and a must see. Show this one to people who have never heard of it before and you will have one classic movie night with friends.
5 out of 5 people found this helpful.
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Trying to post this one again...
Added 8/28/2009
Mute Witness (Anthony Waller, 1994)
Interesting little mystery/thriller from Waller (An American Werewolf in Paris), who in his second film crafted something that, while it's faded into obscurity (and wasn't all that well-known even when released) in the fifteen years since it came out, is still a worthwhile thrill ride that you should rediscover, if you like this type of thing.
Mute Witness is the story of Billy Hughes (Russian actress Maria Zudina of Under Northern Lights), a mute makeup artist who communicates with her film crew through her sister Karen (TV actress Fay Ripley, last on the big screen in 2000's The Announcement). The two of them are working on a slasher film being made in Moscow. After a long day of filming, Billy has forgotten something on location. When she goes back to get it, she stumbles upon what looks like a snuff film being made by some of the nastier elements of the crew. They discover her spying and pursue her, but she gets away and comes back with the cops. The crew dismiss it as a good piece of special effects, and it seems everyone's willing to let the matter rest, but Billy suspects her life may be in danger. How to convince both the American portion of the crew and the police that there's a real problem here?
Tense, well-done, and expertly shot, Mute Witness is a perfect film for when you're looking for a good thriller, and one you probably haven't seen before. It's also worth noting that this is the final feature in which Sir Alec Guinness appeared, though Waller shot the footage back in 1985 (for an earlier draft of the movie that was never completed). As with most mysteries of this stripe, there are a few places where it really stretches credibility, and some character decisions that can generously be described as idiotic, but by now we've come to expect that, and you can't count it too much against this. Worth seeking out. *** ½
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Suspenseful Gem
Added 4/9/2009
Mute Witness is one of those great thrillers that no one has ever heard of. Imagine yourself in mortal danger and being unable to call for help. This is a film Hitchcock would have relished making.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
A Memorable Movie
Added 3/9/2009
I loved this movie when it first came out. Totally enjoyable. Its slightly dated but still well worth the watch. The subject of "snuff films" was new to me. They're said to be urban legend but, knowing the depth that human nature can dive (specially for $), I tend to believe there's some truth in here. Very creepy/scarey due to the fact that its possible.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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