With Jim Sabatini

Mortal Thoughts

Rated: R for violence
Reviewed by: Frank and Chris
Release date: April 19, 1991

Writers Taylor Hackford and Stuart Benjamin have put together a tension filled murder drama but the film fails in the end when no clear resolution occurs. The audience, after being filled with details of the murder of James Urbanski (Bruce Willis) is allowed to remain suspended without full clarification of the events as Cynthia Kellogg (Demi Moore) begins to tell the truth to Detective John Woods (Harvey Keitel).

Urbanski is married to Joyce (Glenne Headly), Tess Trueheart in Dick Tracy, he is physically and emotionally abusive toward her and nearly everyone else. Willis plays his part so convincingly it is a relief when he is killed and out of the script.

The plot enfolds as Cynthia attempts to explain the events which lead to the murder of Urbanski to the police. Her recounting of the abusive and irritating personality of her friend's husband appears plausible, but Detective Woods is dissatisfied with the details she reveals and presses her constantly as to why certain events occurred as she has reported them.

The tension comes in two directions, the actual murder and disposal of the body by the two women and the interrogation by Woods of Cynthia.

Demi Moore is very effective and convincing as the troubled confessor. The strain of telling her story and her relationship with her lifelong friend are not only told in her unique high pitched voice but in her expressions both on camera and on the television monitor which is recording her statement. Apparently the players in this film gave their best effort and their performances are admirable.