Movie Review: Deception

First time director Marcel Langenegger succeeds in creating an erotic atmosphere.

Hush hush is the modus operandi for these illicit affairs that somehow seduce the virginal Mr. McQuarry.

By Citizen Correspondent Robert Waldman

Date Posted: 04/26/08

Reader Rating:

Unlucky in love sums up the life of dullard Jonathan McQuarry. Up to his ears in figures our accounting expert gets his kicks by auditing firms for princely sums. Fun for this workaholic seems not in his nature – even if it looked him in the eye. Contrast this lack of excitement with the flair and joie de vivre that emanates from legal ace Wyatt Bose. Hot in all respects our Wyatt knows how to have a good time, something that our stuck up number cruncher can’t seem to comprehend.

Through a bit of luck the two meet and against all odds become friends. At the heart of the mysterious Wyatt is an upscale sex club that seems tailored to order. Dalliances are daily and often with some of the most beautiful women imaginable. Hush hush is the modus operandi for these illicit affairs that somehow seduce the virginal Mr. McQuarry.

Women seem to be no problem for Wyatt but Jonathan just can’t believe his good fortune. As time passes, however, he learns that beauty is only skin deep and that he’s engaged in a dangerous game with untold consequences.

Sexy and sophisticated, Deception is your standard thriller with too many loose ends conveniently tied together and telegraphed to discerning viewers. Here the sensuality is in abundant evidence but the reversal in fortunes seems a bit too easy to make it believable.

Very good in their portrayals of men of different stripes are Hugh Jackman (The Prestige) as the ultimate playboy and Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge) effective as our stud in the making. Female accompaniment for the boys comes courtesy of Natasha Henstridge (Species), Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain) and Charlotte Rampling (Zardoz) as women for hire to the highest elite. Perhaps former New York Governor Elliot Spitzer belonged to this list of coveted high rolling clients.

First time director Marcel Langenegger succeeds in creating an erotic atmosphere and has gotten good sexy performances from one and all but after 108 minutes we’re left with not too memorable a climax and likely no one wanting seconds, sloppy or otherwise.

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