X
- 2003
- R
- Paramount Classics
- 1 h 49 m
- 2003
- R
- Paramount Classics
- 1 h 49 m
Summary The story of a crime novelist (Downey Jr.) who, languishing in his hospital bed, occupies his time by mapping out a screenplay in his head about a cynical private investigator who doubles as a singer in a dance band. (Paramount Classics)
Directed By: Keith Gordon
Written By: Dennis Potter
- 2003
- R
- Paramount Classics
- 1 h 49 m
- 2003
- R
- Paramount Classics
- 1 h 49 m
The Singing Detective
45
6.1
Where to Watch
Summary The story of a crime novelist (Downey Jr.) who, languishing in his hospital bed, occupies his time by mapping out a screenplay in his head about a cynical private investigator who doubles as a singer in a dance band. (Paramount Classics)
Directed By: Keith Gordon
Written By: Dennis Potter
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 33 Critic Reviews
45
24% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
64% Mixed
21 Reviews
21 Reviews
12% Negative
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 33 Critic Reviews
45
24% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
64% Mixed
21 Reviews
21 Reviews
12% Negative
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
The movie does not propose to be a comedy, a musical, a film noir story or a medical account. It proposes to be a subjective view of suffering, and the ways this character tries to cope with it. Understand that, and the pieces fall into place.
Despite intelligent, sympathetic direction by Gordon, a brilliant lead performance by Robert Downey Jr. and an adapted script written by Potter himself before his 1991 death, this "Detective" pales next to its predecessor.
A genuinely brilliant cast--Robin Wright Penn and Katie Holmes are especially notable--distinctive camerawork, and terrific art design all contribute to this unique blend of fantasy and reality that truly transports the viewer to a magical realm.
Despite his harrowing real-life experiences, Downey, good as he is, is simply too young for the part. This callow telling begs for a more mature approach.
Potter's trademark devices are all present, including the way characters burst into songs lip-synced to vintage recordings on the sound track.
Unfortunately, apart from Downey's convincing contribution, the movie feels too contrived, stagy and inorganic to draw any pleasure.
Downey is undone by a woefully amateurish production that, sadly and ironically, looks like a cheap TV show.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 24 User Ratings
6.1
50% Positive
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
21% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
29% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 24 User Ratings
6.1
50% Positive
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
21% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
29% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Awards
Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards
• 1 Nomination
Satellite Awards
• 1 Nomination
