An action-packed slog

Too much about the plot just didn't add up, the writing was bad, some of the scenes were cringey and awkward,

an ambitious but ultimately ineffective debut endeavor.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

A tense, well paced mystery that delivers a superb, unexpected ending. I felt very intellectually energized after it ended. You think you know what it's all about and then when you're settled in your sofa you get a jolt. The main character makes you feel a bit uneasy throughout. Conti plays him brilliantly with understated panache and a great sense of self. Hannah is very convincing as the soft spoken aide with a secret agenda. As she starts to get under his skin, and yours, the story keeps you in a tight grip. I like how the horrific creepiness is left off screen, mentioned briefly, like a lightning bolt that changes the very air particles in the room. Never melodramatic, the story is bare, harsh, and proves the startling power of truth.

I wasn't sure what to expect of this film but thought the cast list made it worth a look. Having just finished watching it, I'm still not entirely sure whether or not I enjoyed it but it was certainly interesting and somewhat compelling.It is a thriller and there are several moments of suspense and moments where I found myself taking a sharp intake of breath, but it is certainly not particularly scary or shocking. The best moment, for me, was the ending which, even though I realised what was going to happen, was well-executed and did make me jump.Elaine Paige is a very strange choice for one of the cameo roles and I'm not sure what prompted her casting, and (sorry if it sounds trivial) I found Daryl Hannah's "new" facial appearance rather distracting. Tom Conti's character is rather wooden at times and, at other times, is rather moving and interesting. Miriam Margolyes is one of my favourite actors but is given no opportunity at all to shine.All in all? As I said in my title, strange but rather compelling. Definitely worth watching but just don't set your expectations too high.

I have just finished watching the film and as I have never read the book, I viewed it with no expectations. If you're after action a fast paced movie then this probably isn't for you as the drama unfolds at a slow to medium pace. Tom Conti and Daryl Hannah do a pretty good job in the role and are the glue that hold the film together. I won't go into what the film is about as that would render it pointless to watch but I will add that this is the not the kind of movie that you can watch over and over again but will find satisfying for the one viewing if you like suspense mysteries. In conclusion, it's not the best film i've seen, but I did enjoy it so I gave it a 7.

Saw this in a preview today. If you like Sleuth, then this is a poor man's relation. Very theatrical, and in fact best suited to the stage than the big screen, this film documents the mind games played out between a reclusive blind author and his new live in assistant. Daryl Hannah can't act for toffee in the latter role but does please the boys by getting her kit off, although how it advances the plot defeats me....Tom Conti plays the eccentric art critic author to a tee, and holds the whole thing together...just! Elaine Paige plays a very strange cameo role (the casting in this film is a little odd to say the least). Lots of Gothic overtones and a creaking old mansion in the country fit the stereotyped mould of the film but at least if doesn't overstay its welcome at 90 mins. Suspend disbelief and ignore the plot holes, and the film is weirdly enjoyable....