Murderous Intent

Murderous Intent_720p(480P)

source: Murderous Intent

source: Murderous Intent

History is the study of man's past. To some it's merely a collection of events, to others it's a series of memories, but to a certain segment of people, it's the sum collection of heritage and honor. In this incredible black and dark movie originally called 'Murderous Intent', but retitled "Like Minds" it's the tale of two boys. Alex (Eddie Redmayne, incredible acting) and Nigel Colbie (Tom Sturridge, intriguing performance) attending the same private school. Although they seem at odds with other, they are in fact much closer than meets the eye. When a series of murders catch the attention of the local constabulary it falls to Inspector McKenzie (Richard Roxburgh) to solve them. His conclusions are quick and to the point, but he needs a psychological profile of one student to close the case. A Psychologist (Toni Collette) is called in and soon is embroiled in a battle of wits with an extremely manipulative young man, who relates the story of his evil school friend. One, she is certain is the mastermind, the other is a conniving and controlling con-artist, who believes in his family history and blood line to up hold tradition and any measures necessary to achieve a holy means. Not since Alfred Hitchcock has such dark drama been offered to an audience. Writer/Director Gregory Read has indeed surpassed that goal. Excellent suspense and shadowy mayhem for those interested in a twisted plot with an equally twisted conclusion. ****

source: Murderous Intent

Public schoolboy Nigel Colby (Tom Sturridge) is found dead. His head has been blown off. Arrogant rich kid Alex (Eddie Redmayne) is found standing over the body with a shotgun, but he denies committing murder. As Alex is a minor, criminal psychologist Sally (Toni Collette) is asked to determine whether the boy should be charged with the murder of his schoolfriend. As Alex tells his story, flashbacks reveal the truth of what happened and the shifting relationship between the two boys. Or do they? Who is insane here? Nigel? Alex? Or maybe both? I checked the cinema listings last Friday, and bored to tears with the thought of seeing a summer blockbuster, I opted for this, primarily on the basis that it featured Toni Collette, who is never less than interesting in every film she has appeared in. I'd never heard of "Like Minds". It has not had a major cinema release in the UK, which is a shame, because it's not a bad film, just a bit derivative. A low key mix of "Murder By Numbers" and "Primal Fear" set in an (English?) public school. It is a thriller, but it is also all about the shifting of control and domination and obsession. Toni Collette and Richard Roxburgh are not top billed, and that is correct, because their parts are really just extended cameos. The film belongs to Eddie Redmayne and Tom Sturridge as Alex and Nigel. Both good, otherworldly performances, especially by Eddie Redmayne. I think that "Like Minds" is worth a look.

Watched this because Eddie Redmayne seemed interesting in 'Savage Grace' but the film was perfectly dreadful. This again, actually his first feature film, isn't in a genre I'm at all crazy about, but, far-fetched and derivative from various sources though it is,it's still quite good for what it is. The directing has some merit, the cast is fine, the tech package (to use the Variety jargon) is first rate, and it's clever of them to adopt a cold, pale look instead of the usual chiaroscuro for spooky horror stories and also to avoid an excess of gore. This is a supernatural murder conspiracy mystery for people who don't like such stuff. I am not of the opinion that Tom Sturridge is vastly inferior to Redmayne as some have said. The whole film would be a washout if that were true, since it's the unwilling symbiosis of the two youths that's the heart of the piece. An excellent "making of" with the US DVD package shows Tom and Eddie are friends in real life and points out that the chemistry was evident from the first moments of a screen test. Good use is made of the spooky waxen perfection of Sturfridge's face. Tony Collette is a very good actress but often appears in overwrought roles; here, she is admirably toned down and also helps keep the movie from getting too genre or too pumped-up. Roxburgh and all the others do very creditable work and one can appreciate newcomer writer-director Read's alertness and enthusiasm. The "making of" introduces us to the main crew members and cast in interviews that are brief but feel natural. It also does an interesting job of explaining how remarkably the filmmakers fulfilled the requirements of shooting half in Australia and half in England in two opposite seasons and totally unlike landscapes and making them blend seamlessly together. The final twist may seem just one more absurdity, but in the film's own terms it felt quite neat and right. The thing about Redmayne is, he has a chilly self-possession that is fascinating to watch in action. (In person he seems quite normal and pleasant.) It's quite worthwhile also to see somebody starring in a film about a public school who actually went to the preppiest English prep school of all, Eton. (Sturridge went to Winchester, which isn't far off.) I hope Redmayne's special talents and looks don't always lead him into films that are as campy or over-the-top as this and 'Savage Grace.' He seems to be "hot" now so he's going to have a chance to try different stuff. I'm curious to see how he does in two US productions,'The Yellow Handkerchief' and "Powder Blue.' Only time will tell if he gets good opportunities and makes good choices, but there's no doubt that he has something.

... title! Of course it is, but still the ending, isn't clear enough. That is something that you either loved or hated. But apart from the fact (spoilers ahead as stated) that we have Alex taking over business. The question that remains is, did he lie throughout his investigation or not? That's where the movie leave you out in the open or rather let you interpret it any which way you like. But let's take this one kill at a time ... First of an accident happens ... at least that is what Alex tells us! But maybe this wasn't an accident? I mean he get's spit in his face by Nigel and then hits him for that, but does not do a thing, when his best friend is killed? (Nigel could have helped him, in this Alex version of what happened!) So one interpretation could be, that they planned to kill him together, so they would've had their "space" (no interruptions by anyone). Second one, is the girl. Who killed her? If you believe Alex, it was Nigel. Alex would have a reason to kill her, if she didn't like him. But during an interrogation, the police states that she did like him. Then again, maybe Alex didn't realize that. The parents ... that's a tricky one. If it really happened as told, then it's again the case of stupid coincidence, that just does not convince! Nigel planned this all in advance? How could he? That is just impossible ... But if they planned it together or Alex himself was the master mind behind that, why kill Nigel at the end? Especially after burying the parents? Either it is cleverer than we think it is, or it just thinks it's clever .... either way, plot holes and a high amount of suspend of disbelief are here/required!

This film is about two young teenage boys developing a morbid fascination with re-enacting a medieval legend. After reading the detailed explanation of the plot on the discussion boards, I begin to make sense of the film. The plot itself is interesting, but there are quite a few problems. Nigel's speech is almost always incomprehensible, both the content and his accent are not understandable. Secondly, the non linear presentation of events make it very confusing. Thirdly, the relationship between Nigel and Alex is very ambiguous and is never fully explained. One minute Alex hates Nigel and beats him up, and the other minute they hang out with each other? So, the already complicated plot degenerates into a confusing mess of jumbled up scenes. "Like Minds" is a disappointing and confusing film.

'Like Minds' : Viewed (twice) at MIFF. I've only taken the time to comment here at IMDb upon what I think were our 'Best' and 'Worst' of MIFF. 'Screen Partner' and I agreed (will wonders never cease) that this film gets our highest rating (9 out of 10, I always leave room at the top for the future). "Screen Partner' and I really appreciated the following from this first-feature Director and his collaborators: Being treated as an intelligent audience : Hooray for a writer that doesn't rely on irritating spurious leads for impact. Yes, there are 'surprises' but we are not lead around by the nose only to have that annoying "tricked you" moment at the denouement. A new aspect of suspense drama: Indeed, well may one ask the question "What were sociopaths like as young-uns?" Topic for discussion afterward - we like that! Skillful casting of all the characters, especially the 'lads': Eddie Redmayne will by now have a reputation elsewhere, but he's a real 'find'. Yes, we've seen some of these schoolboy 'types' before, but not one in this group is cast, or directed, as caricature. In the adult corner - Patrick Malahide gives us everything we could desire from his role as the Headmaster. Tension, a mixture of the surface and the guarded, a fine performance. I was less impressed with Toni Collette and Richard Roxburgh, not because of what they were given, but for what they decided to give us. TC seemed, in my eyes, only to succeed in 'being' irritated or lacklustre (I wish she'd learn to underplay/intensify - as opposed to bored/shrill - but then I was one of those who loathed her performance in Japanese Story - so you may well disagree). RR... his performance lacked subtlety, it was all there for him to do use, but he overdid it. The contrast with the really excellent performance given by PM, whose character was under far more pressure than Roxburgh's, illustrates my point. Fortunately for the film's sake, some of those I've spoken with since viewing absolutely disagreed with me in this regard. Talented 'Eyes' And 'Ears' all round: Cinematography and editing choices excellent, especially so considering that a serious proportion of the available funds were probably absorbed by 'name' actors and locations. Similarly, quirky and absorbing original music and crisp sound editing formed another 'character' in the thick of things, underscoring and emphasizing whilst avoiding overstatement. Great to finally watch 'local' product that considers 'polish' a priority from the get-go. Commercial: I know, I know, commercial success isn't everything, but we think this one, properly supported could be a very successful 'date movie' - plenty of weirdness, frights, and human scenery for 15+ (it was rated 18+ in Melbourne, don't think it needs it), thought-provoking and engaging for the rest of us. By the way - where is the publicity for 'Like Minds'? We've heard plenty about the less than average current crop of Oz films, e.g. 2:37 etc). And yes, I saw it twice, a close-to-perfect film for midnight in a Melbourne Winter to finish- off our viewing week! A hearty welcome to the world of feature films Gregory J Read - we'll be keeping and eye out (four actually) for your future exploits, we know we definitely won't be wasting our time!