Review of The Osterman Weekend (1983) by Michael A — 18 Mar 2008
The acting is wonderful. You have a strong male cast in John Hurt, Rutger Hauer, Burt Lancaster, Craig Nelson and Dennis Hopper. The film attempts to create an aura of suspense and instead degenerates into a parody of a Poirot crime drama.
The setting resembles a Poirot show. The suspect(s) are confined to an estate for a few days and the hero has to work out who is the culprit(s). This, however, a cheap man's version which inviolves a lot of staring, silence and tension between individuals.
Sadly it is that core of the film which is based on the Osterman Weekend (the reunion of friends) which ruins what starts as a potentially excellent thriller/espionage drama. John Hurt is wonderful as the devious, sly and intelligent operative who manipulates Rutger Hauer and his own government as the classical "man who pulls the strings.
" The film does succeed in creating the unexpected with a succession of surprises and additions to the storyline which catches you off guard.
This review of The Osterman Weekend (1983) was written by Michael A on 18 Mar 2008.
The Osterman Weekend has generally received mixed reviews.
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