Tunnel Vision

((AUSTRALIAN))

An Avalon Films production, in association with Beyond Films, Australian Film Finance Corp. (International sales: Beyond Films, Sydney.) Produced by Phillip Avalon. Directed, written by Clive Fleury.

Kelly Wheatstone ... Patsy Kensit
Frank Yankovitch ... Robert Reynolds
Helena Yankovitch ...Rebecca Rigg
Steve ... Gary Day
Det. Inspector Bosey ... Shane Briant
Knowles ... Craig Ashley
Art Dealer ... Justin Monjo

Aso-so thriller in which some promising ideas are swamped by poor dialogue and routine direction, "Tunnel Vision" isn't likely to see the inside of many theaters (it has yet to

find a distributor in Australia) but will be a useful downmarket video item. Toplined Patsy Kensit deserves better than this.

Kensit plays a hotshot policewoman, Kelly Wheatstone, who, together with her partner, Frank Yankovitch (Robert Reynolds) is investigating a series of killings in which the nude bodies of the female victims are arranged in poses like subjects in the paintings of Knowles (Craig Ashley), who becomes a prime suspect. But Frank is distracted from the manhunt because he suspects (correctly) that Helena (Rebecca Rigg), his wife of a few months, is having a secret affair. When Helena's lover is found dead, suspicion naturally on Frank.

The split-level mystery contains a few cunning twists and turns along the way , including a surprise ending that's a bit of a cheat but which probably will intrigue less-demanding genre fans. The vaguely kinky, S&M goings-on also will lure vid-heads into this kind of thing.

But the promising script was never licked into shape, and several supporting players give inadequate performances. The leads, especially Kensit, are as effective as possible under the circumstances.

Director Clive Fleury lacks the vision to transform his ideas into a memorable thriller, but lenser Paul Murphy has given pic a solid visual sheen.

Camera (color), Paul Murphy; editor, John Scott; music, David Hirschfelder, Ric Formosa; production design, Phil Warner; costumes, Rosalea Hood; sound, Phil Heywood, John Schiefelbein.Reviewed at Chauvel 2, Sydney, July 18, 1995. Running time: 92 MIN.

Variety is striving to present the most thorough review database. To report inaccuracies in review credits, please click here. We do not currently list below-the-line credits, although we hope to include them in the future. Please note we may not respond to every suggestion. Your assistance is appreciated.