Sleuth
Cốt truyện
Sleuth is a 1972 British thriller film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and starring Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine. The story takes place on the luxurious country estate of Andrew Wyke, a renowned playwright and novelist in his later years. Andrew's life seems idyllic, but beneath the surface lies a complex web of relationships and motivations. His wife, Millicent, is having an affair with Martin Dysart, a struggling actor who has come to their estate seeking inspiration for his next role. Andrew, aware of the infidelity, sets out to outwit and deceive Martin using a series of clever psychological tricks. As the game of cat and mouse unfolds, Andrew's true intentions are revealed: he wants to break the spell that Martin has cast over his wife and win her back. Using his wit and cunning, Andrew manipulates Martin into revealing his own dark secrets, gradually gaining the upper hand in their battle of wits. Throughout the film, the lines between reality and fantasy become increasingly blurred as Andrew's games escalate. Martin, desperate to uncover the truth behind Andrew's motives, finds himself trapped in a labyrinth of deceit and misdirection. As the story reaches its climax, Andrew's true nature is finally exposed, and the consequences of his actions are revealed. The film ends with a surprising twist that leaves the audience questioning what is real and what is just a product of Andrew's twisted imagination. Sleuth is a masterclass in psychological suspense, with both Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine delivering outstanding performances as two brilliant but morally bankrupt characters locked in a deadly game of wits. The film's clever script, coupled with its ingenious plot twists, has made it a classic of the thriller genre that continues to captivate audiences to this day.