5 Great Movies Adapted From 5 Great Plays

3. Sleuth

For me, the term 'cat and mouse' ends with this movie. It is the ultimate in power play. Never before have I seen a movie where the ball changes court so often - it's almost impossible to keep up. Almost - the writing is too good to get completely lost. Anthony Shaffer's play/screenplay is first and foremost, fun. It boils down to watching two grown men (Caine and Olivier) play senseless mind games, vying for one upmanship on each other. From being in a position slightly removed from the action, we can observe how childish they are being. Whilst I make it sound like some type of Steve Martin-esque Screwball comedy, I must stress that it is far from any such thing. Whilst both men are childish and immature, a dangerous and almost sadistic undertone is ever present. Anything they say or do is to inflict as much damage as possible onto the other person. Every comment is sharp and laden with acid and whilst it may be hidden within Caine's handsome, charming, boyish manner, or Olivier's polite and courteous, 'utterly, utterly' aristocratic attitude, the mutual hatred is always there. The basic plot has Michael Caine's well spoken hairdresser, arrive at the mansion of elusive crime writer, Laurence Olivier. The latter has made the invite to his wife's new lover in order to sort things out. between them. The solution - to avoid losing millions in alimony - Olivier suggests a staged break in. Caine robs the jewels, Olivier claims the insurance. The problem is, they don't particularly like one another. What makes the film so brilliant is the levels that both men take the game to. So blinded by trying to 'win' , the boundaries are dutifully ignored to the point that someone is bound to get irreparably damaged. Caine and Olivier remain on screen for the duration, which is a high point as the acting is so masterfully carried out. Shaffer's script transfers from stage to screen with ease and demonstrates once again, how putting two people in a room and watching them talk is a damn near perfect base with which to construct any good story. It's witty, brainy and unique and a perfect example of fine film-making. Note: there is a 2007 remake starring Caine in Olivier's role from the original. It was panned by many but (and call me a philistine if you will) I really enjoyed it. It's directed by Kenneth Branagh and also stars Jude Law. Naturally you should watch the '72 version first, but if you loved it like me, then the modernized version is an interesting take on the story, too. It also has a fantastic soundtrack!