Movie Review: Sleuth (1972)

One of the most imaginatively scripted films ever made, Sleuth pits the wickedly clever Laurence Olivier against the seemingly vengeful Michael Caine in a game of murder, mystery, intrigue, deception and good old-fashioned sleuthing. Outstanding acting from its two main players, each earning an Academy Award nomination for their efforts, the film is careful to build an intricate story that unfolds in a uniquely unpredictable manner.

Milo Tindle (Michael Caine) is invited to Andrew Wyke's (Laurence Olivier) secluded mansion to discuss Milo's desire to marry Andrew's wife Marguerite. Andrew is a detective fiction novelist who prides himself on solving dastardly crimes with his main character Sinjon Lord Merrydew, while Tindle owns a local salon. Well aware of his wife's frivolous activities and her infatuation with riches and exquisite possessions, Andrew offers Milo an opportunity to burglarize some expensive jewels (170,000 pounds worth) so that Milo can live happily with Marguerite, and Andrew can collect the insurance money and live happily with his mistress Teia. But not everything is as it seems, especially when the game-obsessed Andrew convinces Milo to use a clown costume and dynamite to stage the robbery; and add to that a tumultuous recreation of a downstairs fight with a fireplace poker and a pistol. A riveting contest of deadly one-upmanship ensues with unforgettable twists and an unparalleled conclusion.

Expertly directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and based on the play by Anthony Schaffer, the film opens with delightfully circus-tinged music that lends itself throughout the entire film to mix up the tone as each of the characters transition from serious to comical. Tindle starts with a serious demeanor and is instantly weary of Andrew's proposition, but with his whimsical and carefree manner, Milo soon dons a surprising mask of laughable lightheartedness, joining in with dancing about and playful mockery. The interactions between the two constantly change from the serious tone of adultery to the nonchalant air of jocose buddies.