“You know what I like about amnesia?”
A Psychological Thriller with Twisting MemoriesIn 1991, psychological thrillers were hitting their stride, delivering increasingly complex narratives filled with shocking twists. Wolfgang Petersen's Shattered emerged during this period as a stylish entry in the genre, starring Tom Berenger and Greta Scacchi. The film would mark another step in Petersen's Hollywood journey following his success with German cinema. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 'Spoiled. Rotten? Twist Endings' series with a conversation about Shattered.Navigating the Fragments of Memory and IdentityThe film's elaborate plot twists and amnesia-driven narrative provide plenty of material for discussion. We thoroughly enjoy the movie's over-the-top nature and soap opera-style revelations, though we differ on its rewatchability. Pete suggests that much of the fun comes from discovering the surprises for the first time, while Andy argues the film's entertainment value persists even when you know what's coming. We also examine the plausibility of certain character actions, particularly regarding Greta Scacchi's performance and her character's behavior in solo scenes.Key Elements of Discussion

• The impressive car crash sequence and its technical achievements
• Bob Hoskins' scene-stealing performance as a pet shop owner/private investigator
• Alan Silvestri's replacement score after Angelo Badalamenti's original was rejected
• The film's noir-influenced cinematography by Laszlo Kovacs
• Tom Berenger's ability to portray both innocence and menace effectively
• The psychological accuracy of the amnesia portrayed in the film

Despite its modest box office performance, Shattered delivers an entertaining blend of 90s thriller conventions with enough style and memorable performances to warrant attention. As a film that fully embraces its melodramatic twists while maintaining its noir-influenced style, it proves to be an engaging entry in the psychological thriller genre. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Film Sundries

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