This is a stylish and effective thriller from director John Dahl, containing a level of intelligence in the script that is usually lacking when compared to bigger budgeted thrillers - sadly this is the kind of film that gets forgotten about and relegated to late-night television slots when in an ideal world it should be celebrated as one of the finest films of 1996. Then again, this situation gives me the opportunity to view an undiscovered gem and thoroughly enjoy every plot twist and every surprise. The scripting is excellent and takes a not-too-scientifically-implausible premise and creates a great storyline around it. The atmosphere is one of darkness and violence and the film primarily works through the depth of characterisation offered.
Instead of opting for a directly science fiction-style approach, this film works primarily as a murder mystery, with Ray Liotta's obsessive hunt to track down the murderer of his wife. Liotta demonstrates his own unique brand of acting here and is perfectly cast as Doctor Krane, an intense, paranoid man on a mission of justice whose experiments with the unknown matter lead to a rapidly deteriorating physical condition. Once again we find Liotta in top form in one of his best acting jobs as a sympathetic but flawed lead and his realistic but dramatic performance holds the film together nicely. Linda Fiorentino is cast against type as the mousy, shy scientist and also does extremely well with a fairly subtle part. Veteran Peter Coyote also lends weight as a fellow detective helping out Liotta, plus there's a great psychotic turn from Kim Coates as a sadistic serial killer/criminal.
UNFORGETTABLE is technically proficient with some well-staged action sequences to recommend it. The pacing is excellent and perfectly balances exposition with action to create a satisfying whole. The story is gradually played out at exactly the right level, so that the suspense gradually builds up as the pieces of the jigsaw fall together. The Hollywood-style fiery climax also works nicely and ties up what has come before. I would recommend this film to all cinema fans looking for intelligence and style with their thrills and spills. A cut above the rest.
Instead of opting for a directly science fiction-style approach, this film works primarily as a murder mystery, with Ray Liotta's obsessive hunt to track down the murderer of his wife. Liotta demonstrates his own unique brand of acting here and is perfectly cast as Doctor Krane, an intense, paranoid man on a mission of justice whose experiments with the unknown matter lead to a rapidly deteriorating physical condition. Once again we find Liotta in top form in one of his best acting jobs as a sympathetic but flawed lead and his realistic but dramatic performance holds the film together nicely. Linda Fiorentino is cast against type as the mousy, shy scientist and also does extremely well with a fairly subtle part. Veteran Peter Coyote also lends weight as a fellow detective helping out Liotta, plus there's a great psychotic turn from Kim Coates as a sadistic serial killer/criminal.
UNFORGETTABLE is technically proficient with some well-staged action sequences to recommend it. The pacing is excellent and perfectly balances exposition with action to create a satisfying whole. The story is gradually played out at exactly the right level, so that the suspense gradually builds up as the pieces of the jigsaw fall together. The Hollywood-style fiery climax also works nicely and ties up what has come before. I would recommend this film to all cinema fans looking for intelligence and style with their thrills and spills. A cut above the rest.