CONSPIRACY THEORY (1997)

Directed By: Richard Donner 
Written By: Brian Helgeland 
Cinematography By: John Schwartzman 
Editor: Kevin Stitt & Frank J. Urioste 


Cast: Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart, Cylk Cozart, Troy Garity, Sean Patrick Thomas, Peter Jacobson, Thomas McCarthy, Rick Hoffman 


Jerry Fletcher is a man in love with a woman he observes from afar. She works for the government. Fletcher is an outspoken critic of that government. He has conspiracy theories for everything, from aliens to political assassinations. But soon, one of his theories finds itself to be accurate. But which one? Some dangerous people want him dead and the only person he trusts is that woman he loves but does not know.

The film has a notable cast which is how the film will peak your interest and hook you. It also has a kind of underdog story at heart. Of course as expected by the title the film makes various references to popular conspiracies Such as assassinations, Lee Harvey Oswald

It has Mel Gibson Playing against type. He is more invested and Actually seems a bit more challenging for him. Though he still keeps his jokey tough demeanor.

It’s billed as an action thriller but ends up More like a comedy. As even the action sequences seem to end with some kind of joke or more humor then thrills necessarily.

The film's Seems to fit into the Richard Donner funhouse. Where the film is entertaining above all else and beautiful to look at. Even though the film Tries to be gritty but always seems more like a typical Hollywood production. As Director Donner is one of the last of the studio directors who had to work his way up to directing by first working his way around every other department before getting the lucrative directing jobs. So he knows his way around way department having been vetted.

He is a director who constantly makes likeable movies that do ok but few would probably register as favorites of all time. But is a Consulate Hollywood director who deserves respect for making quite a few memorable films such as THE OMEN, The LETHAL WEAPON series of movies, 16 BLOCKS, MAVERICK.

The film is written by Brain Helgeland who also wrote and directed the Mel Gibson PAYBACK. Where you wonder if their working relationship was formed on this film.

One scene just seems so big even if it is minor. It’s a masterpiece of it’s own even if overblown. It’s After he buys the book. The skit grand production that seems to set off just to try and capture him. Especially with a familiar sight involved. Just at the time seemed so amazing and was the epitome of Hollywood magic.

Even the thriller elements are entertaining. As they are just creepy enough to add some suspense and tries to throw you off. Even though you know how it will probably turn out. --It’s a film where every one seems to have secrets even the good guys. So that at every turn you don’t know who to really trust or believe.

Patrick Stewart is here truly chewing the scenery in his delicious turn as the main villain.

It’s a movie that keeps building so that even if it were done on a modest budget by the end it has grown so big it would have to need major stars for the size of production and for the audience to keep believing. Don’t know if this film would be made today As it is more driven by star power especially two very big names attached and mid budgeted so unless really a gamble or as someone’s passion project which this wouldn’t Really be or somehow it would have to be Sci-fi or superhero related or be an independent financed film.

The film is Disarming how enjoyable it is though somewhat predictable.

Though she is a major star of the movie they don’t leave Julia Roberts with much to do other then Be the brainy damsel in distress. She is only really here for star power. Which truly seem the only reason this film was made. As they try to market it as more a modern team-up of stars. Even though the characters are close there is no real romance beckoning though the film keeps trying to build up one.

This is pretty much a movie star movie. The story might actually be something ambitious for more as a mid-size budget, but it the end it’s a movie for the audience to stare and gawk as two superstar movie stars share the screen. It’s actually not a stunt here as the stars do share a number of scenes and the movie doesn’t make you wait around for half the movie for it to happen. Though the film ends up being best for a Saturday afternoon a breezy affair with no real stakes. That you will mostly watch to see who is In it rather then what it is about. Sort of like those black and white movies starring a star of yesteryear that you watch only because you like the star. Not necessarily the story.

The film Won’t stick with you too long after but a crowd pleaser

You feel by the end like you got your money’s worth though keep in mind I saw this at the $2 theater. Back when there was one. Which is where movies played second string after their major release, right before reaching hoe. Video at the time. Today think of that more as a digital release before the dvd/Blu-ray


Grade: C+