Secret Smile (2005)

Instant Favorite.

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

I agree with Jane Dow, except that for "interesting" I have to substitute "predictable"! I missed the first 20 mins of part 1 of this last night (which didn't seem to matter ...); part 2 is on tonight and having looked at the reviews, I now know that there is a "surprise" end. But, that doesn't change the flaws in this story, too many to list here - and Jane Dow has nailed most of them. But from what I've read, the "surprise" is equally flawed and unrealistic.This reminds me vaguely of another 2-part TV film that was shown on the BBC last year: it was called "The 7.39", starring David Morrissey and Sheridan Smith. This was very slow moving but equally predictable - no surprise ending so less flawed because it was so mundane. What I find amazing is that "The 7.39" got a lot of hype before it was shown (... following which it got a lot of flack!); I only came across Secret Smile on TV last night by chance, but I have to say that judging by the quality, or lack thereof, of programmes like this, I think I need to get my pen/computer out! If TV companies are happy to continue to make TV films that are implausible, I can come up with some good story lines: to make them more exciting and appealing they too would be a bit flawed and thin on research (I would be a bit more diligent in having my characters having COMMON SENSE though!), but if anyone's interested, I'm here :-)

The film is rather exciting, there are no boring dialogs or overextended scenes, script writer and director do know their job. David Tennant is gorgeous as a psycho. He is charming, he is creepy, he is, well, good at sex scenes. Kate Ashfield as Miranda is great disappointment. She actually has only three types of expression: smiling, crying and frowning. And you can tell crying from frowning only by the drippling tears.But the plot really sucks. I don't know, how Fabricci managed to create such an unconvincing story. There is a list of the most outrageous crap, happening throughout the movie:1)You dumped a guy for stealing your spare keys and rummaging in your stuff? Please, don't change your lock for any account. And keep on leaving your spare keys at the exactly same place. Why should maniac bother about making a duplicate?2) Police has no evidence against you and you left a bunch of bills and a letter in yout ex's flat? That's the reason to panic! You have to break in and leave a mess.3) Someone broke in your flat and left a mess? Don't try to leave the place and block the entrance. Don't call the police. Don't ask your neighbours to witness. Just step in, don't be afraid. And don't change your lock. Again 4) You need to put someone in jail? Just concoct a wibbly-wobbly plan and pretend you're dead. And start a new life as another person, that is really dead. Just put on a wig. Wigs are convincing. And Australia is heaven, that is why they're selling tickets to recently deceased5) You're a maniac and you're breaking in the same apartment for the third time? Obviously it is OK, if your victim got used to it and even prepared a glass of wine for you

I haven't read the book of this and based on this adaptation, will not bother. I hated every character in this show - Miranda was slutty, selfish and mumbled miserably through the appalling dialogue, her sister was a total wimp, and this was the worst depiction of manic-depression I have ever seen. I have a degree in Psychology, and this was not accurate. In fact, until it was mentioned, I did not realise Troy was supposed to be bipolar - I thought he was a normal, slightly grumpy teenager.The only saving grace in this stupid show was David Tennant, whose brilliantly psychotic performance was the only thing that got me to watch the second half. Clearly the writers and producers of this show have not done any research - Troy's mental problems are not remotely accurate, nor are the forensics involved in the "twist" ending (and if you did not spot that a mile off, you are a big ole dummy!) Utter garbage.

Goodnight Mister Tom was brilliant, Footsteps in the Snow was a good biography, and this was another good ITV made-for-TV film. Basically Miranda Cotton (Kate Ashfield from Shaun of the Dead) one day meets a complete stranger and they have sex. After about ten days, she wants Brendan Block (Doctor Who's David Tennant) to leave. Then the next thing she knows, he's met and proposed to her sister, Kerry (Claire Goose). Soon after Brendan poisoning her life, Miranda's sister commits suicide when he believes that she doesn't care about him, says Brendan. Now worst of all, Brendan dumps Kerry for another woman, and now Miranda needs to warn her of what he's capable of. Then the unthinkable and horrible happens, he rapes Miranda. That then clinches it and Miranda and Kerry, oh, and the new girl, form a plan to put Brendan behind bars. This is the really good twist, that it looks like Miranda was dead, because of blood in bathroom and Brendan's fingerprints on her keys, but she was actually having a short holiday. Great idea! Anyway, this is a very good drama, the title obviously suggests his character. Very good!