Candlestick (2015)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Admirable film.

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

We really liked this thriller. Some people might find the writing and acting a little "arch", but if you realise that the film is clearly a reference to some classics, it works very well. There are clear nods and homages to Hitchcock, such as Rope, Psycho and Vertigo, but the film also has a real Ealing/Gainsborough Studios feel to it that adds another layer of entertainment. A cinephile's gem.

The beginning prattles on a bit. Andrew Fitch is Jack, a rather pretentious fellow who sees himself above those around him. Jack is carrying on an affair with Vera, the wife of his BFF. Jack despises her use of a cell phone. He would not shackle himself to such a device. He purposely keeps one of her earrings to use at a later convenience. Vera doesn't know the half of it wen she mentions Jack is less than sentimental. Jack invites his uncle, Major Burns, a respected investigator; Vera; BFF Frank and Inspector Marcus Evans to a night of dining and games. Uncle Burns is a thorn in Jack's side. Jack views him as pompous (the irony is obviously lost on Jack. BFF Frank is the next to arrive. Jack seems disappointed when Vera arrives ahead of the Inspector. Nonetheless, Jack continues his mind games despite the upset. The movie drags a bit then Jack livens things up with discussion of a "Perfect Murder" (Which most of know is not possible) and not so nonchalantly informing Frank that Vera is having an affair. Jack conveniently omits that he is her lover, of course. He merely wants to see Frank's reaction. Heated commentary ensues. Vera does her best to deny the affair. Frank isn't buying any of it. Jack is of course delighted at the interaction. Emotions flare and conversation goes too far, as it often does in these situations. Frank commits the ultimate sin, for which Jack cannot hide his glee. Jack's glee is short lived as things between Frank and Vera didn't end as planned. Jack believes he's rectified things just moments before the police arrive. The ending is reminiscent of Hitchcock involving Frank's cellphone.

No one to like or root for--the main character is palpably, greasily unlikeable. So's the guy he's pulling a stunt on. The female is without any sex appeal whatsoever, in spite of over-applied over-red lipstick and flowing blonde hair--plus she's cheating on her poor slob of a husband. There's an irrelevant boor who swills down all the sherry and makes drunken comments. The "perfect murder"--which of course isn't perfect at all by the end of the film, but we knew that already--is a perfect bore. People sit around getting drunk and insulting each other and then having Moments, where everyone is silent and then drinks some more. And THEN! the bad guy brags the whole plot away, except he forgot one thing that exposes him at the end. He also manages to bludgeon someone at least six times without getting any blood anywhere.The musical score is aggressive, leaden, and overpowers the flimsy story. Like the director, it seems narcissistic and self-referential, i.e.,"look what I composed!"Don't bother with this movie unless you have some sort of crush on the director.

Candlestick by it's name alone, instantly brings to mind the game of Clue along with an old-fashioned British murder mystery and the ultimate question of "whodunnit?" Although, in this film it's more about the unfolding twists and turns than a simple classic whodunnit. No drafty old mansions for this movie, filmed on a one set location in the style that brings to mind some of Hitchcock's oldies but goodies -- this is a contemporary murder mystery beautifully filmed in a contemporary setting. The cast is excellent, performing in the theatrical British style required -- while the film score is outstanding!!! Writer/ Director Christopher Presswell and Co- Writer Andres Forgacs have created an extremely impressive film on an Indie budget!!! Kudos indeed!!!