Sleuth

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Michael Caine, Jude Law

A classic remake of the 1972 classic (although originally a stage-play by Anthony Shaffer), Sleuth is the fantastically intriguing battle of wits certain to keep even the shrewdest amongst us guessing. On his secluded estate, Andrew Wyke (Caine, The Italian Job, The Man Who Would Be King) meets Milo Tindle (Law, Enemy at the Gates, Talented Mr. Ripley) in order to discuss Maggie – Wyke’s wife who has eloped with Tindle. The agenda begins at talk of a divorce, but the stakes are raised very quickly…

Those familiar with the original will already have realised that Caine is returning to the film he was part of thirty-five years ago. This time however, Caine steps into the shoes of Laurence Olivier, allowing Jude Law to take the role Caine made famous (just as he did for Alfie in 2004).

However, if you’re expecting a faithful re-working of the original you are in for a surprise. Harold Pinter - famous for writing other classics such as The Birthday Party and The Quiller Memorandum (in which Caine also stars) – writes his own interpretation of the play for the film, which, typically, builds upon the men’s power struggle throughout. Add this to the direction from Kenneth Branagh (whose previous directorial roles include The Magic Flute and Hamlet) you can be certain of a sure-fire hit.

Although some may be put off by the predilection towards unusual camera techniques, Sleuth is certainly worth a watch. The relationship Wyke and Tindle develop is truly fascinating to observe - although, at times, their exchanges may be liable to offend. A brutally frank and, perhaps, extreme take on the cuckolded husband scenario: an enigmatic exploration into the creative male mind.

Ben Sparshot