Killing Me Softly (2002)

★
Killing Me Softly exists because some filmmakers thought it would be a good idea to make an erotic thriller starring two good-looking actors and put them in a bunch of sex scenes. It can work, but here, the script was apparently the last thing anyone considered. Maybe someone should have thought up a decent plot first.

I can't think of any reason why talented actors like Heather Graham and Joseph Fiennes agreed to do this movie. Perhaps they thought it might turn out into something watchable. It's obvious to me that the producers sought out Graham because she's willing to do nude scenes, and being the beautiful actress she is, well, her involvement would seem like a sure winner. Add to that Joseph Fiennes, best known for his terrific portrayal as William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love. We have a credible cast, but the story lacks coherency or interest.

The movie barely has what might be considered a first act. Alice (Heather Graham) lives in London with her boring boyfriend. One day, while walking outside, her eyes meet those of Adam (Joseph Fiennes). They don't say much to each other, but she does follow him home where they have passionate sex. Talk about getting right to the point.

After they get to know each other more, Alice and Adam get married. Thus begins the movie's real intent, which is to have Alice discover more of Adam's background. She gets mysterious phone calls and anonymous letters. She is aware of a climbing accident that took place some years before (we see it in the prologue). Was it an accident, or did Adam kill someone?

The movie gives us evidence that Adam is guilty. When Alice gets too close to the truth, Adam ties her up on the kitchen table. She gets away and goes to the police. Adam is there too, crying, trying to convince the police that he really loves her. Does he? You wouldn't think so, especially when given the scenes of his possible guilt (and tying up Alice). Then the ending comes, and maybe, just maybe, he really did love her. It's hard to tell, because the movie's surprise twist and climactic fight are so muddled that when Adam shows up, in the scene that apparently proves his innocence, too much of the truth gets thrown at us in so little time that it's difficult to process all that information. This revelation is provided merely for its shock, rather than any logical progression of the story.

Joseph Fiennes and Heather Graham do fine in their roles, but they're stuck in a story of startling ineptitude. Killing Me Softly wasn't intended to be a challenge anyway. It's just an erotic thriller designed to show us Heather Graham's body.

© 2003 Silver Screen Reviews