by Paul Pruitt
Staff Writer
In the surprisingly suspenseful and well-executed Murder at 1600, the sheer thrill of the plot provides the real excitement. There is violence and gun battles, but the true genius of this suspense thriller is the terrific plot and its superb actors.
Murder at 1600 refers to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., which, if you didn't already know, is the address of the White House.
The film follows Harlan Regis, a Washington, D.C., homicide detective played by Wesley Snipes (The Fan, White Men Can't Jump, Money Train), who is called in to investigate the murder of a woman found in a White House bathroom.
From the very beginning of Regis' investigation, he is lied to, confronted, misled and even attacked by various members of the city's policing agencies as he fights to find the truth behind the murder.
With the unexpected assistance of Secret Service Agent Nina Chance (Diane Lane), Regis is able to break through the veil of secrecy that conceals the real killer and the real reason for the murder.
Regis and Chance must then fight to save their own lives as well as those who could be next if the killer is not apprehended.
What evolves is a totally unexpected plot twist that is above and beyond what this film seemed initially capable of.
Writers Wayne Beach and David Hodgin did an almost flawless job at writing this piece, and director Dwight Little did an equally impressive job of bringing it to life.
From the very first moments, it was apparent that the film had real depth and a true substance so many other thrillers lack. The film draws the audience in and holds them in a tight grip of suspense until the very end. Even when the end comes and the suspense is released, there comes more excitement.
The lead characters, played by Snipes and Lane, were unusually well-done and surprisingly easy to believe.
The National Security Adviser was played to perfection by Alan Alda ( Manhattan Murder Mystery, TV's M*A*S*H,). He easily convinced the audience that he really was the character. without ever making it look like he was acting. Ronny Cox (Captain America, Deliverance, Vision Quest) also masterfully played the role of president.
And although his part was comparatively minimal, Dennis Miller did a fine job of integrating his dry humor into the serious role of Detective Stengel, Regis' partner.
Finally, the head of White House security forces is powerfully portrayed by the incredibly bald Daniel Benzali (Murder One, A View to a Kill, The Distinguished Gentleman). His frequent appearance is much enjoyed as he mysteriously lurks in the shadows and elsewhere. It is never clear whether he is a bad guy or a good guy until it's too late, but as an actor, it is obvious that this man is awesome.
The only downfall is the somewhat monotonous feel of the movie as a whole. It is frequently dark and rainy, and scenes often take place indoors, looking mostly the same for long periods. Luckily, the actors and the action make up for it.
Murder at 1600 is a film that is much better in reality than it first appears. It is a totally pleasurable and welcome experience, one that will stay for a long time in the thoughts of the audience.