Good story, Not enough for a whole film

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Deceiver is classic 90's noir, with a dash of trashiness and a unique cast all suited to the bottom feeding material. It trips along in the same gutter as stuff like Basic Instinct, another film that is simultaneously aware and smugly indifferent to the fact that it's scummy stuff. Almost every character is a reprehensible, unlikable piece of work, save for one surprise cameo. I may have just put you off the film, and to many who don't see this type of thing as your cup of tea, please avoid it. But to those like me who appreciate a nice bit of grimy fun, well this is your ticket. Tim Roth plays Wailand, a wealthy and arrogent young heir to a textile mill. He is under suspicion for the brutal murder of a prostitute (Renee Zellweger) who was found in a park, cut in half. The two detectives who are tasked with hassling him seem almost as dodgy as he is, and when you look at the edgy character actors who play them it's easy to see why. Detective Braxton (Chris Penn) is buried in gambling debt, owing a tidy sum to nasty loan shark Mook (Ellen Burstyn). Detective Kennesaw (An explosive Michael Rooker) is a rage fuelled whacko who is furious at his wife (Rosanna Arquette) for having affairs on him. Wailand has both the cunning nature to see this weaknesses in both of them, and the money to do something about it. This makes the detective's job very hard, being stymied by their quarry every step of the way. Wailand also has mental issues including blackouts and strange episodes of personality alteration that Roth takes full advantage of in the scenery chewing department. It's pseudo psychological mumbo jumbo that the actors play straight faced for a thriller that's quite the endearing little flick. Rooker stands out with his trademark volatility that will put anyone's nerves up to defcon 4. Roth has a ratty, evil looking face. Nothing against the dude, he just looks like he'd slit your throat in your sleep for a dollar. He's great as suspicious characters, and has fun here being the wild card. Penn is his usual huff and puff self. Character actor Michael Parks has an awesome cameo as a psychiatrist with a monologue that almost lets the film wade out of cheese territory. Great cast, great flick.

Somehow this hidden treasure had escaped my radar until now. As usual Tim Roth does not disappoint. The accused characters mentally abused by his disconnected parents, epilepsy and absinthe addicted personality seems custom written for Roth. In truth, few other actors could have pulled that off. There are stories within stories here and the movie holds your attention throughout. A modern day noir with a great surprise ending. Two powerhouse actresses, Patricia Arquette and Renee Zellwegger were under utilized in this film. Chris Penn gives an adequate performance as the junior and somewhat less intelligent assistant detective, but his ignorance is not as great as the audience is made to think. I was a little surprised by the relatively low 6.4 rating. This film deserves much better. Well worth your time.

This movie is a hidden treasure . A clever and dark psychological thriller . It reminds me of a movie that David Fincher ("Se7en") would have made if he was in shape . "The Liar" or "The Deceiver" as the movie is sometimes known is an intriguing movie that keeps you at the edge of your seat. This is an example of movie in which you can have three people talking in one room and you can't take your eyes off screen.The movie is really dark and full of tension. You can never know what will happens next and what dark secret will be revealed. You must figure out for yourself what is true and what is lie.Tim Ruth is great as the main hero (?) who toys with other people minds. He is really one strange guy. Chris Penn gives a really good support in a rather standard role of not too bright cop. The real star here is Michael Rooker who is AMAZING . His performance deserves an Oscar. You have to see it for yourself. Renee Zellweger and Ellen Burstyn also give quite memorable performances.Good movie . A hidden treasure . I give it 7/10.

A whodunit movie with a twist This is mainly an interrogation movie, where Roth, a rich, smart and incredibly manipulative trust-fund baby, is interrogated for the murder of a young woman.He is made to undergo a series of questions and tests but manages to foil his interrogators at every turn. his degrees in psychology makes him a slippery person to question.if you like taut suspense with great acting, go rent Deceiver tonight!! you will not be disappointed.i give it a "9" (and i rarely give out 9s) enjoy