Conspiracy Theory
In Theaters August 8, 1997
Rating: R
Review Date: 08-06-97
Studio site: Conspiracy Theory
Stars: Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart
What really is the story behind those black helicopters? Why is fluoride
really in the water that we drink? To find the answers to these and some
of the other pressing conspiracies just ask Jerry Fletcher (Mel Gibson).
He is the editor of a newsletter called Conspiracy Theory where
he expresses the conspiracy theories that he dreams up based on the numerous
newspapers that he reads. He drives a cab and tells some of his passengers
about his theories. But they are just theories, or are they?
Alice Sutton (Julia Roberts) works for the justice department and for some
reason is the only person Jerry trusts. He tells her his conspiracies and
hopes that she'll act on them, but most of all he is falling for her. Alice
humors him from time to time and listens to his theories. Then one day
they both get thrust into the middle of something that Alice doesn't understand.
Now the only question is, can they get out?
Gibson, Roberts and Patrick Stewart star in this Richard Donner thriller
about conspiracies and the way we view them. Mel Gibson is impressive as
Jerry Fletcher. He has just enough paranoia mixed in with his sense of
reality and creativity that makes for an intriguing character. Gibson's
performance reminds us of the paranoia of his Lethal Weapon character.
This is something I really enjoyed.
Roberts' performance is just average and is reminiscent of some of her
other performances such as in The Pelican Brief. But she is definitely
meant to play second fiddle to Gibson in this film. She does this admirably,
never trying to overdo her part and get in a clash that sometimes happens
when you have multiple stars in a film. Robers is intrigued by Gibson's
story and gives him the benefit of the doubt. While the other main star
in this film is Patrick Stewart as Dr. Jonas. Stewart's character is evil
through and through and he does a good job of portraying his character
to the very end of the film.
Conspiracy Theory weaves a twisted web that some may find hard to
follow, I however did not. It is filled with a healthy dose of one-liners
from Gibson that will remind the viewer of some of the best parts of his
Lethal Weapon character. The only thing keeping this film from a
solid A rating is that I wonder if some of the comedy is intentional or
not and the fact that the film is a little on the long side. Be prepared
for a pretty scattered beginning until the film gets going, but once it
kicks into gear it becomes an excellent thriller with a healthy dose of
comedy, drama, and action to satisfy most viewers.
Grade: B+
Parents Guide: The movie overall is quite tame. It is laden with conspiracies
and governmental controversies. Overall it received it's rating for some
language and violence with people getting shot for a variety of reasons.
This film will be acceptable for most teenage individuals.