MovieChat Forums > Mute Witness (1995) Discussion > A film of two halves

A film of two halves

posted 18 years ago by blade101167
6 replies | jump to latest

This movie was at it's best in the first half when there were only a couple of characters and the sense of claustrophobia and evil was most present. There are some stunning set pieces reminiscent of vintage Dario Argento, hallway, lift shaft, bathroom etc. Unfortunately, for me it gets bogged down and loses it's 'evilness' in the second half when more characters are introduced and it practically becomes just another routine and dull cop-like movie.

"Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they're NOT out to get you"

[–] hairybackguy 18 years ago

What I did not like was them making it a farce comedy in the second half. It was funny, but it did not go with the rest of the film. I do believe that comedy can be mixed with drama but not like it was in this movie.

[–] melsen 16 years ago

Big mistake to have that annoying US couple play such a major role in this, otherwise, fine film.

[–] FetalFatality 16 years ago

I think the scenes with Billy alone in the studio + the man breaking into her apartment was some of the most suspenseful stuff I've seen lately. Then towards the end it became very cliched and had a happy Hollywood type ending.

[–] shawnkjr 16 years ago

I like both parts when I look at them separately but they just don't mesh well together.

*Common sense is not so common

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] heelmaster2000 15 years ago

Fully agree with ya Slasher Guy. I enjoyed the film, and found it a little odd in the second half, but was still rather enjoyed by it. It would have probably been cool if the film was set up like the first half was but the problem there and with films like it. Is that when you find out who the killers are in the beginning the rest of the film is one big cat and mouse chase which has been done way to many times before and all turn out the same. I was a little surprised and even a tiny bit glad that this didn't fully do that.