The Burnt Orange Heresy

The novel written by Charles Willeford is described by book critics as a ‘fast-paced and hyper-tense thriller’, but unfortunately the same cannot be said about the new film from the producers of The Talented Mr Ripley.

Boasting a quality cast headed by Donald Sutherland and Mick Jagger, the story delves into the lengths an art critic will go to when blackmailed to participate in a very unusual art theft, resulting in arson, fraud, and murder.

Aptly categorised in the neo-noir genre, this movie is visually stunning utilising mesmerising locations and art deco which compounds to the rising atmospheric tension and intrigue.

However, in all its grandness and high production values, the film falters through the dull and tediously slow-paced nature of storytelling and an underwhelmingly inconclusive finale, which leaves audiences with more questions than answers.

As an art critic in the film explained, talking about an art form is much easier than creating one – or is it? (MMo)

★★ ½