Deceiver (1998)

Simply Perfect

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Somehow this hidden treasure had escaped my radar until now. As usual Tim Roth does not disappoint. The accused characters mentally abused by his disconnected parents, epilepsy and absinthe addicted personality seems custom written for Roth. In truth, few other actors could have pulled that off. There are stories within stories here and the movie holds your attention throughout. A modern day noir with a great surprise ending. Two powerhouse actresses, Patricia Arquette and Renee Zellwegger were under utilized in this film. Chris Penn gives an adequate performance as the junior and somewhat less intelligent assistant detective, but his ignorance is not as great as the audience is made to think. I was a little surprised by the relatively low 6.4 rating. This film deserves much better. Well worth your time.

Deceiver is another of these must see movies. It's one of my top ten favorites. The movie works partially because of the solid performances from it's leads, Roth, an actor who never disappoints, the best of the three. Very much like that AFI winner, The Interview, Deceiver is much more fun in the way Roth screws with you. He's the prime suspect in the murder of a high class call girl, Elizabeth Loftas (Renee Zewellger) who oozes a lot of damn sexiness, as well being a pitiable character, who you really feel sorry for, not just in her demise. There are moments in the film, and it's mainly towards the end, that you don't believe Roth is actually the killer. In his interview, where he's hounded by two cops, (Michael Rooker and Chris Penn) over a couple of days, Roth is obviously playing his own game, prolonging the interview, failing a polygraph, by faking a cough, whatever. We don't know what trick he has up his sleeve next. One scene, this game, involving cards and lies, one that Roth was obviously spose' to get caught out on, he outsmarts them, by playing funny buggers. I loved it. He's also an epileptic, we discover, this disability working to his advantage. We learn some interesting facts on epilepsy, and it's effects if mixed with this lethal drink, Roth's drunk, where a famous artist is referred as told by Michael Parks, always great, as a psychiatrist. In one violent scene, Roth explodes under pressure and begins throttling Rooker. These two cops have their own demons, Penn a gambler, Rooker, an old acquaintance of the dead hooker. Roth knows all the background of these cops, as we can see how this fits into the story, also as in Roth's plan of deception. Roth has ties with Penn's gambling friends where money can buy information. As Roth tells them "I'm filthy rich, loaded". We even have one imaginary scene in a rich dining room with Roth and his parents. They're seated, at one end of this long, table, Roth sitting at other. Obviously from this, we get the gist he's not on social grounds with his parents, or, he's just an isolated child. It's a funny scene due to some of Roth's dialogue, where he gets up, goes to his mother and stabs her, then sits back down and continues buttering his bread, some blood merging with the butter on the knife. Roth makes this movie, enjoyably entertaining, that you wouldn't want another actor to fill this character's shoes. He's so funny in many scenes, being smug and grinning loud. The relationship between Rooker and his wife (Rosanna Arquette) who's just scenery in this movie was just puzzling, like an enigma. Like Roth, Rooker flashes out too, one weird scene in Rooker's kitchen. What the hell what that about. Things become quite heated as the film comes to wraps, with Rooker even being putting on the stand. When Rooker, is questioned as to killing Loftas, he can't answer. This movie never loses it's fire, right, up to the end, and it's killer twist. I never found any bit of the movie boring. It's solid background story is great in one hell of an underrated movie. Ellen Burstyn, as evil auntie Mook, who runs the gambling operation, where Penn's indebted to them, rules. Whatever happened to that really nice mother/actress she played the Exorcist.

..with celebrities such as Tim Roth, Renee Z, and Chris Penn...I have the answer. This movie was beyond horrible. The blatant anachronisms are never explained, the "twist" was anything but...and well, shoot (imdb wouldn't allow me to say spell out a different word..even when i tried to use alternative spelling-huh, what a family friendly site!), folks..save your dollar and/or time and don't bother. I'm also adding text here because my initial review was very brief--I attempted to just tell you'll that this movie stinks...but apparently I have to go on. and on. and on. so once again, don't see this movie. it stinks. it stinks.P.S. don't believe reviewers that tell you must be intelligent to "get" this movie. if you don't get it, it's because the movie failed miserably. period. period.

I love a movie that will capture me from the beginning and never let go. This movie was like that for me. This is the movie that made me a fan of TIM ROTH. He is fascinating to watch, and the character he plays is fascinating to watch.The movie goes into the psychology of each of the lead players, and I found myself collecting ever more answers -- with always a few more questions with each answer.It's not one of those kinds of films that tries to make sure you know the answer to anything -- yet lets you see most everything -- and still find yourself wondering. It's got little action, yet is continually stimulating and thought-provoking, interesting and fun to watch.I've seen this movie more than once and it's one of those rare films I know I will enjoy watching again and again -- and I think that every time I watch it I have new answers -- and new questions. Anyone interested in psychology will love this film. The acting are all excellent, the cinematography wonderfully mood-setting, the direction superb. I gave it 10 stars.