Insight From those early television days when he starred in "The Streets of San Fransisco", then producing that Oscar winning legend "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest", and who could forget the sexy "Basic Instinct". It seems no matter what he appears in, Michael Douglas always delivers the goods and "Don't Say A Word" is once again no exception. This a tense, well constructed film. The pace is set right from the opening scenes which set the theme for "Don't Say A Word". "Don't Say A Word" is a menacing, gripping movie that will keep you right on the edge of your seat. Cleverly moving back and forth through a ten year period the film cleverly pieces together all the parts in this complicated jigsaw involving a robbery, a double cross, a girl who is institutionalised in mental hospitals, a brutal murder, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a kidnapping and the mystery surrounding the where abouts of a missing diamond. Ten years after the murder of a "john doe", Dr Louis Sachs [Oliver Platt] seeks the professional help of top psychologist Dr Nathan Conrad [Michael Douglas] to unravel the mind of Elisabeth Burrows [Brittany Murphy] a young girl who has been in and out of various institutions for many years. Dr Louis Sachs is not the only one with an interest in Elizabeth. Patrick Koster [Sean Bean] the leader of the robbery gang some ten years ago has been released and he too wants answers, answers to where that missing diamond can be found. For Dr Nathan Conrad it will be a race against time after Koster kidnaps his daughter Jessie [Skye McCole Bartusiak]. What transpires is a battle of three wills. Conrad must find the key to unlocking Elizabeths mind if he is to see his daughter again, Koster must keep a tight reign on both the doctor and his daughter, while Elizabeth must unlock the trauma that haunts her past. "Don't Say A Word" is satisfying stuff and ends dramaticaly in super style. Douglas is grand, Platt is just right, Bean is easy to hate as the menacing evil bastard Patrick, and Murphy is puts in a convincing, very believable performance as the tormented Elizabeth. In fact I think that the cast is what really makes "Don't Say A Word" such an enjoyable experience, they all team up so evenly without clashing or overcrowding each others character. Dircetor Gary Fleder has managed to keep the tension and intrigue under his tight grip, ensuring a polished performance all round. I am sure that Michael Douglas fans will get a big kick out of "Don't Say A Word" as will those who love a damn good thriller. The Verdict Excellent direction. A great collection of characters. "Don't Say A Word" is a tense, nail biting, plausible thriller with a grand finale. Michael Douglas delivers the goods in a convincing performance .... RATED MA15+
The Critics

"...true nail-biting and thrilling entertainment. Don't Say A Word, just go see it!" Louise Keller [Urban Cinefile] "Don't Say a Word is smart, stylish and, most important, satisfying." Kevin Thomas LOS ANGELES TIMES "A well-crafted thriller that breaks no new ground but is an exciting diversion with plausible twists of logic and an exciting climax." Paul Clinton CNN "The movie won't knock your boots off, but at least it doesn't disappoint." Leah Green KANSAS CITY STAR "Familiar but stylishly done thriller." Eleanor Ringel Gillespie ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION "The movie as a whole looks and occasionally plays better than it is." Roger Ebert CHICAGO SUN-TIMES "Enjoyable escapism." Carrie Rickey PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER "Flawed but still gripping". Andrew L. Urban [Urban Cinefile]

The Cast

	Michael Douglas Brittany Murphy Sean Bean Skye McCole Bartusiak Famke Janssen Jennifer Esposito Guy Torry Oliver Platt Shawn Doyle Victor Argo Isabella Fink Conrad Goode Paul J.Q. Lee Paul Schulze	... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...	Dr. Nathan Conrad Elisabeth Burrows Patrick Koster Jessie Conrad Aggie Conrad Det Sandra Cassidy Martin J. Dolen Dr. Louis Sachs Russel Maddox Sydney Simon Eight Year Old Elisabeth Max J. Dunlevy Man With A Cell Phone Jake

Directed by Gary Fleder ©2001 - Village Roadshow - All Rights Reserved