Original Sin

Review by By Clint Morris

Mildly compelling, but unpleasantly obscure, "Original Sin" is more a flesh-feast for the eyes than something for the Film Appreciation society.

Blending elements of the psychological thriller (ie. Fatal Attraction, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, The Stepfather) with a period drama backdrop, the film teams infamous screen sirens, Angelina Jolie and Antonio Banderas, and although onscreen they might sizzle - the script with which they have to work with is so poor it has the fire stopped before it even gets close to burning out of control.

A wealthy businessman, Louis, (Banderas), hoping to increase his personal profile, orders a "mail-order" bride, one that "is not meant to be beautiful" but rather, "loyal, loving, and young enough to bear children." What he gets is Julia (Jolie)- the exact opposite.

Although Banderas is blind to the fact he's been sent the wrong package, the audience knows better, and before you can say "keep a close eye on that one" she cons him, leaving him with only the shirt on his back. Louis, Still filled with passion for his bride, but bewildered by her motives, joins a shady detective (Thomas Jane) in the hope of tracking his obsession down.

There are some interesting concepts to the film, the character Banderas plays for one. He is so forgiving. It highlights the extreme vulnerability of men. He is constantly willing to forgive Jolie's character, not because of a lustful desire but because he sincerely loves the woman.

On the downside though, the plot is as old as the costumes the leads are forced to wear here. Additionally, the film can't make up it's mind whether or not it's a drama, a romance, a thriller, or an erotic art piece, and many of the talented actors cast in supporting parts (Jane, and Australia's Jack Thompson) don't seem to know what type of film they have been hired to do either. Instead of a distant cousin of "Basic Instinct", the film more closely resembles a soft-porn flick from Zalman King. Minus it's A-list stars, it might have even played as a late night cable flick.

If you're heading to this movie in the hope of checking out the faultless naked vessels of Banderas and Jolie - you won't be disappointed. To pass itself of as more though, is simply an "Original Sin".

2.5 out of 5

Original Sin
Australian release: Commences December 6th across Australia
Cast: Antonio Banderas, Angelina Jolie, Thomas Jane, Jack Thompson.
Director: Michael Cristofer.
Website: Click here

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