A conspiracy theory is a theory that claims an event or series of events, is the result of secret manipulations by two or more individuals or an organization, rather than the result of a single perpetrator or natural occurrence, or that there is a conspiracy to cover up the true story by the government or media.
Don’t we hear so many conspiracy theories all around.. when a flight is hijacked.. when someone famous is murdered…there are so many theories attached to it.. everybody has one of their own.. Don’t we sometimes find that there is no explanation to certain things which happen!!
As Jerry Fletcher says.. All you know is that “They” did it.. but who are “they”.. is never known.. That’s we they call’em “THEY”….
Jerry Fletcher (Mel Gibson) is a freaky cabbie…He talks compulsively to himself.. often leaves his cab meter running even though he is carrying no passengers.. often falls into his own imagination.. (sort of puts him in a trance)…which has flashes of his past… very sinister and terrifying past… and thus he is confirmed are very real!! This leads him to put his and his passengers life in danger most of the time….Although he observes “love” everywhere.. And “Love” is what he has for Ms. Alice Sutton (Julia Roberts).. a justice department attorney… Jerry saved Alice from muggers once and observes her secretly.. and feels he loves her and that she is very close to him somehow.. but does not seem to remember very clearly “how”..
Jerry has a conspiracy theory on everything …on aliens… on abduction…on harmful chemicals in water.. government policies.. on EVERYTHING.. In fact he sends out a newsletter named “Conspiracy Theory” to five subscribers… and he warns Alice on most of the theories …Alice though reluctant at first (she in fact throws him out few times), agrees to hear him out (as she has a fondness for Jerry) and finds out later that one of his theory is right and is connected to her life as well!!!!!
She is confirmed of this when Jerry has a life threatening incident right in front of her eyes… also when she finds out that all five subscribers of Jerry’s “newsletter” are no more alive!!!!
They form a peculiar pair…. And find themselves on the run from “THEY” headed by Dr. Jonas (Patrick Stewart)… What is the conspiracy that is keeping them on the run.. what is the common factor between both Jerry and Alice.. What gets them both so interested in each other.. Why does Dr. Jonas torture a simple cabbie so much to get information… you got to see the movie for that..
Mel Gibson & Julia Roberts don’t share the same kind of chemistry as Tom Hands & Meg Ryan.. But both are incredible actors and save the otherwise not very exciting storyline from actually letting people to loose interest… Mel Gibson is one of my favourites.. the way he brings out so many expressions on his face in just one dialogue..is incredible… He portrays the attitude of a NY cabbie very smoothly.. talking with his passengers.. banging his car with the one at the back and making space to park!!!! Julia Roberts as usual portrays her character as if she IS Alice… Alice is sometimes attracted to Jerry.. but at times is scared of him.. she does not know whether to “believe” him or not.. all these are portrayed very beautifully…
The movie has very interesting scenes.. like Jerry’s apartment.. The apartment indicates how frightened Jerry lives… He is always conscious of everybody around him.. He locks his refrigerator.. he keeps his coffee powder under numeric locks.. He would always climb up at first and then come downstairs to his apartment to make sure no one is following him!!!! Then therez a scene where Alice and Jerry are running from the authorities.. He leaves the car they are driving right in the middle of the bridge and crosses the road and takes the car parked on the other side already and leave the opposite way… incredibly getting rid of the people following him :)
The torture scenes are slightly disturbing, as gibson’s eyes are taped open and sharp lights are thrown at his face.. all this to make him talk, while he dsnt remember anything clearly..
Richard Donner tasted success first with Superman.. then with the highly successful action series, Lethal weapon.. He directs action movies excellently and all of his movies are worth watching.. This movie is certainly not his best if compared to the rest. But is very novel and has all the three protagonists at their best – Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts & Patrick Stewart…
I have given three stars considering.. its a Richard Donner movie.. and much more could be expected from him.. especially with gibson and roberts in it!!
kunchu