Ridley Scott directed this modern urban drama about a blue-collar NYC cop assigned to protect a beautiful murder witness in her posh uptown penthouse. True to any romantic daydream the two fall in love, complicating the policeman's family life, but in spite of its contrived scenario the film manages to offer a surprisingly sensitive (if shallow) story, with Tom Berenger turning in a likable performance as the kind-hearted, hard working cop from the wrong side of the tracks, unable to resist the gloss and glamour of socialite/sophisticate Mimi Rogers. As usual Scott overdresses the visual scheme of the film, and the stylistic excess detracts from the suspense and credibility of Howard Franklin's script, making 1987 New York City look a lot like 2019 Los Angeles in 'Blade Runner', with lots of chrome and steam and flashing neon (even in closed elevators). But after overcoming an awkward opening the screenplay settles for a terribly convenient ending: there's nothing like having a murderous psychopath threatening your estranged wife to bring about a quick marital reconciliation.
Review of Someone to Watch Over Me
Someone to Watch Over Me
(1987)
distracting visuals undermine a decent romantic thriller
3 January 2011