Framed

A Good British Psychological Suspense Thriller (4.5 Stars)

This 1992 British psychological suspense thriller was written by Lynda La Plante, writer of Prime Suspect and Trial and Retribution, and I think most fans of PBS's erstwhile Mystery! series should enjoy this film, which is captivating and satisfying but not as hard-edged as the other two series mentioned.

For those unfamiliar with Lynda La Plante in particular or with British productions in general, this is not an action-packed thriller with plenty of the shoot-outs and car chases that one comes to expect from Hollywood productions. Certainly, there is some action and there is plenty of suspense, but it is entertainment of a more cerebral nature wherein the viewer watches with an active mind. Indeed, you'll be thinking about the show long after it ends as you try to piece together in your mind just what exactly happened.

Briefly, and without giving anything away, Timothy Dalton splendidly portrays Eddie Myers, a wily criminal who some time ago had grassed on his accomplices in a bank robbery but managed to escape from custody before the trial. Although the money had never been found, a corpse turned up which had been identified as being Myers. The film opens when Larry Jackson (David Morrissey), a young police officer on holiday in Spain, spots someone who he is certain is Myers. Myers is picked up, and having thus feathered his cap, Jackson is given the honour of being Myers' shadow while he is, once again, in custody. And so begin the mind games, for Jackson's task is get into Myers' mind. But is Jackson getting into Myers' mind, or is Myers getting into Jackson's mind? That is the issue, and like watching a cat toying with a mouse, the film moves at a pace that allows the viewer to witness the progress that each character makes (or thinks he makes).

In conclusion, I found this to be a good, solid psycological suspense thriller in which one really didn't know who had the upper hand, who was the winner, and who the loser until the very end. And even then we are not entirely certain. Most British productions benefit from repeated viewings (making them, in my opinion, good value for money), and this one is certainly no exception.

Recommended to fans of British suspense dramas in general, and particularly to fans of PBS's Mystery! series. May 8, 2003

save your money

If you are a fan of Timothy Dalton, save your money. Get "Jane Eyre", the Bond movies he did, and "A Lion in Winter". Don't bother with the other work he's done- you will be disappointed. What makes him great in "Jane Eyre" and the Bond pictures doesn't translate well into other works he's chosen to do- the Rochester character doesn't translate into other media. I think he's made some bad choices as an actor since becoming well known for some really great work in the above pictures, and his dark saturnine looks and heavy brooding acting don't work outside of period pieces. Disapppointing! Have suffered through the rest and it was an effort to watch. I want my money back (and the wasted time spent!) February 3, 2002

Dark Thriller

Timothy Dalton at his enigmatic, devious best. This is a dark, engrossing cat-and-mouse mystery starring an excellent British cast. Dalton, one of my all-time favorites despite some appalling role choices, here plays a mysterious criminal who engages in a chilling head game with the young police officer assigned to "babysit" him while the police interrogate him. Dalton's character's gradual corruption of the naive young officer gives the main impetus to this at times heart-stopping tale of intrigue and psychological hide and seek. December 23, 2001

Framed

Being a big Timothy Dalton fan, especially from his role as James Bond I decided to give you the true feeling about some of his other credits. Here wee discuss 'Framed' which I think is one of his better works. Why? Because it has a very good plot, good supporting cast and a good twist to keep you guessing what is about to come next!
Tim's character was well written and it seems he put a lot of thought into picking this role, something he tends to lack in other choices!
Timothy West puts in an excellent performance as ever and the two work well against each other, if you were hesitating about whether to pick this film, don't hesitate any more it's worth getting!! September 18, 2001

Framed

Being a big Timothy Dalton fan, especially from his role as James Bond I decided to give you the true feeling about some of his other credits. Here wee discuss 'Framed' which I think is one of his better works. Why? Because it has a very good plot, good supporting cast and a good twist to keep you guessing what is about to come next!
Tim's character was well written and it seems he put a lot of thought into picking this role, something he tends to lack in other choices!
Timothy West puts in an excellent performance as ever and the two work well against each other, if you were hesitating about whether to pick this film, don't hesitate any more it's worth getting!! September 18, 2001

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