[6]

Jeff Bridges’ wife is murdered and Glenn Close goes to court to prove his innocence. Meanwhile, Peter Coyote’s convinced that Bridges is the killer and Robert Loggia is doing investigation on the side to help Close’s case. And dang it, if Bridges and Close don’t start falling in love. Is he innocent? Is he guilty? You really shouldn’t have to wonder very hard. The screenplay by Joe Eszterhas (Showgirls, Basic Instinct) is too obvious in its misdirections. I knew where the movie was going about fifteen minutes in. (Change Jeff Bridges to an ice pick wielding bisexual woman, and you have Basic Instinct.) But Close and Bridges make even middling material worth watching at times. Matthew Leonetti’s photography and John Barry’s score help, as do some pleaseant supporting players, including James Karen and Lance Henriksen. Directed by Richard Marquand (Return of the Jedi).

Oscar Nomination: Best Supporting Actor (Robert Loggia)