Two Entirely Different Films

Pinter's Sleuth and Shaffer's Sleuth differ so much in theme, character, and plot that I think they are really two different stories despite the obvious similarities. Therefore I don't think they can be compared in terms of their themes or characterization, though you can compare, I suppose, how well they develop suspenseful devices.

Pinter's Sleuth seems to be about the two mens' possessiveness and romantic dependency on Maggie for masculine validation; they are both desperately in love with her. Their games are often used to make the other seem less worthy of Maggie, as well as for jealous revenge. There are so many layers and ambiguity in Pinter's dialogue that it makes for a rich exploration of this theme. Maggie is constantly brought up in the film through images, mannequins, conversations related with her, etc. One of my favorite parts is when Wyke is telling Tindle they need to cut her out of their lives. "Be free like me." And then the phone rings. And they both stare at it. The one-act play "Missing Marisa" by John Patrick Shanley has a lot in common with the film.

Shaffer's Sleuth seems to be more about pride, honor, and class. The cleverness and ability in game-playing is related to self-respect. In this version, Meredith has a much smaller presence; we hear more about Inspector Merridew. As Wyke says, "Whether I love her or not, I found her, I've kept her, she represents me." (my italics) Tindle's game about Thea's murder further shows the unimportance of Meredith to the story. Still, there is a doll and portrait of Meredith repeatedly shown, and Wyke does at times talk about his marriage; I'm not sure of the intentions of these. Regardless, in the climax in which Wyke is determined to kill Tindle, the stealing of Meredith is just one of many reasons, the more important of which is Tindle's insulting his life's work. I recently saw this version on stage and a great deal of the set was covered in bookshelves. Telling also is that the police arrive whereas in Pinter's, Maggie arrives.

To me they are both well made. At the same time, I'm more personally interested in Pinter's version - and totally loved the design.