DVD Review: The Good Liar

The Good Liar
(DVD Good)

Stellar acting from Ian McKellan and Helen Mirren lifts what could have been a fairly tepid suspense drama into a more respectable category in The Good Liar. McKellan plays a life-long con artist, Roy, looking to make his latest big score by wooing recent widow Betty (Mirren) and then tricking her into giving him access to her life savings. But it’s a “long con”, requiring him to invest a great deal of his time and efforts to achieve his goals. And the more we learn about Betty, the more likely it seems that she’s got some secrets of her own that she’s hiding.

The pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing the relationship between these two characters to build and develop. The supporting cast, including Roy’s accomplices and Betty’s grandson, are very good. The director, Bill Condon, makes use of multiple close-ups of McKellan’s face, in both light and shadow, allowing that master thespian to express a myriad of thoughts and emotions with his craggy visage.

When the twists in the plot finally arrive — it’s a suspense drama, you have to be expecting twists — the emotional payoff is excellent. Well worth your time if you’re a fan of either of these two actors, especially McKellan. This DVD has minimal special features — basically just a short list of “deleted scenes”, some of which would have helped with some plot points, and others of which would have simply ruined the surprises. Don’t watch those until after you’re done with The Good Liar.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Any of the other films featuring Ian McKellan and Helen Mirren. Personally, other than his turn as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings films, I recommend McKellan in Mr. Holmes. And my favorite Helen Mirren productions are her run as Jane Tennison in the Prime Suspect TV mini-series, and her action turns in RED and RED 2.]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official MOVIE web site ]

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library – Public Services

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