FATALE (2020)

 

Directed By: Deon Taylor  Written By: David Loughery  Cinematography: Dante Spinotti  Editor: Eric L. Beason & Peck Prior 

Cast: Hillary Swank, Michael Ealy, Mike Colter, Damaris Lewis, Tyrin Turner, Danny Pino, Geoffrey Owens, David Holpin, Sam Daly 

After a one-night stand, a successful married man finds himself entangled in a cunning police detective's latest investigation.

This is a film I could see more getting made out of desperation or at least being seen out of that same feeling. As this seems the cheapest kind of entertainment when there might not be anything else to watch so you settle for it.

The film seems to hate or villainous women throughout. As there seems to not be a single positive female character. As the major ones are conniving, cheating or manipulative, and downright evil.

While one is happy to see multiple best actress Oscar winner Hillary swank in a leading role and she is good in the role but she definitely deserves better. As it seems Hollywood never quite knew how to use her or never seemed to find a stream of roles that worked with her strengths. As one of her talents is being a chameleon so she can fit into most roles. The problem is that leads her to have a light presence when a strong one is needed. 

The film does offer her a kind of Fatale role as the title tries to showcase her. Though even as she has a glamorous entrance and looks the part the movie has her in an initial seduction scene where we barely see any action and then another sec scene that is sudden and rushed. Far from being sensual. Which can only remind some of her role in THE BALCK DAHLIA the last time she was in a more erotic role. Which unfortunately seemed to damage a lot of the stars of that film. 

This is the type of movie in classic Hollywood would be more of a throwaway meant to bring together either studio contract stars who were on the way out and appeared out of contractual obligation or it would be a movie meant to bring two superstars together in the big screen and no matter how silly the film the audience was more there for the star power. 

The film goes in many different directions where it seems to confuse itself as to what exactly its Intentions are, for instance, the event that causes their reunion ends up being more intricate. Though we never even quite solve it.

It might be because the film tries to add so many different elements. Then wants to make sense or try to explain different motivations but has a hard time out of how ridiculous it has gotten through all of this is done with a straight face. Where by each passing scene it feels like it is losing its audience. As it comes across more like a season of a soap opera rolled into one movie. 

Shot by Dante Spinotti the film looks great as do the locations and actors. Trying to make it stand out colorfully and filmed more like a noir. 

So busy trying to titillate that it’s credibility flies . As things are heightened but with little payoff. 

The film Seems to have a happy cookie-cutter ending. Even though for all the entanglements that seem rather impossible. 

Grade: F