Sleuth (1972)

Finally saw the movie in its entirety (I missed the first half, first time around). It's based on the play by Anthony Shaffer.

The movie begins with hairdresser Milo Tindle (Michael Caine) visiting famous mystery novellist Andrew Wyke (Laurence Olivier). As the story unfolds, we find out that Milo is having an affair with Andrew's wife, and that Andrew had invited him over so that they could stage a theft of his already-insured diamonds. Milo gets the diamonds, Andrew gets the insurance money, everyone gets happier, no?

Turns out, Andrew has a much more in mind than insurance fraud.

I love this movie. As it progresses, both men resort to more devious tricks just to get the upper hand. Although a bit slow in the beginning, the pace really picks up in the second half, where it gets really intense as Milo and Andrew continue to play each other off.

I don't mind movies with a lot of dialogue, so for those of you who have little patience with verbal reparté, steer clear. I'd rave about the movie even more, but that would give away too much (which I don't want to do 'cuz it's JUST THAT AWESOME!), so without revealing too much of the ending and its mind games, let's just say there were no winners.

Leaving you that bit to ponder about, I give it a 10. Second half of the movie was especially good.

Just a small note: If you plan on watching the 2007 'reworking' (also starring Michael Caine, but now as Andrew Wyke, with Jude Law as Milo Tindle), I suggest you watch the '07 version first, then the 1972 one. You have been warned.