Sleuth (1972)

 

☆ ☆ ☆ ½

Sleuth (1972) – J. L. Mankiewicz

Impressive two-hander (from Anthony Shaffer’s play) starring Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine in a twisty game of cat-and-mouse.  Olivier pulls out all the stops as a wealthy game-loving mystery writer who has hatched a plot to ensnare Caine, the hairdresser son of immigrants who is sleeping with Olivier’s wife (seeking a divorce).  Although the fun is in watching Olivier and Caine spar across the three acts, the subtext about class differences is never far from the surface.  Olivier can’t stand the idea of Caine showing him up.  The whole thing is staged in a single location, Olivier’s country estate filled with games, theatrical props, and mechanical toys (well directed by veteran Joseph L. Mankiewicz).  It’s hard to write about the film without giving too much away – however, my feeling is that the ending is just a little bit too pat (although I’ll admit that there was really no other possibility). If you are up for a theatrical game of gotcha full of clever sadistic twists, then this may be your cup of tea.