Don't Say A Word

UK Release Date. 22 February 2002
Certification. 15
Running Time. 1 hour 53 mins
Director. Gary Fleder
Cast. Sean Bean, Michael Douglas, Jennifer Esposito, Famke Janssen, Brittany Murphy, Oliver Platt.
Rating. 44%

Review.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s Michael Douglas made a career out of these type of roles - the rich, well-groomed and well-to-do professional whose idyllic life is turned upside down in the blink of an eye. Films such as Fatal Attraction, Basic Instinct, Disclosure and A Perfect Murder. Then, at the point in his career when he seemed to be challenging himself with more demanding roles [in particular, two terrific performances in Wonder Boys and Traffic], he reverted back to type with the insipid Don't Say A Word.

Don't Say A Word is a highly formulaic thriller where the apparently perfect existence of a blissfully married couple (Michael Douglas and Famke Janssen) is derailed by the machinations of some criminals with serious intent (and a preposterous motive). 

Following the promise of Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead and Kiss The Girls, Gary Fleder was entrusted to direct. Whilst these earlier offerings were stylish, the nonsensical plot continually hampers Don't Say A Word. Combined with the perpetual overacting of Michael Douglas racing against an arbitrary deadline any shred of credibility remaining is lost. Brittany Murphy initially promised interest as the institutionalised Elisabeth Burrows, but ultimately abandoned character development in the name of moving the plot along at pace. Jennifer Esposito (Detective Cassidy) remained on the periphery of the film until coming into play at the exact moment required to participate in an overly-convoluted climax.

There are several films in the mould of Don't Say A Word that are infinitely more watchable - the likes of Man On Fire, Taken or Prisoners.