Movie Review: Conspiracy Theory

Conspiracy Theory

I first saw Conspiracy Theory back in 1997 when I was less cynical and more idealistic. At the time, I found it both entertaining and plausible. Having seen it again for the first time since, I still find it entertaining, but now I also find it possible.

In Conspiracy Theory, Mel Gibson plays a cab driver named Jerry Fletcher. Jerry, who is clearly a few sandwiches shy of a picnic, regails his passengers with his conspiracy theories. From fluoride in the water as a mind control element to black helicopters flying surveillance in whisper mode, Jerry believes it all. In fact, in his off duty hours, he combs newspapers for evidence of his fears and publishes a newsletter he calls "Conspiracy Theory" so as to spread the word. Jerry also spends some of his free time stalking a pretty Justice Department attorney named Alice Sutton (played by Julia Roberts). Alice tolerates Jerry to an extent, but can no longer pretend he's harmless after an incident in her office building lobby sees Jerry arrested and confined in a mental ward. Alice tries to calm Jerry with rationality and facts to no avail. Soon, as wild as Jerry's suspicions seem, there are incidences and coincidences that begin to make Alice wonder if Jerry is crazy after all.

The story told in Conspiracy Theory is almost as wild and crazy as is its lead character. A well-written script keeps the storyline from being too complex to follow, yet is filled with unexpected twists and turns that eventually result in a whole story appearing thread by thredtd before our eyes. Mel Gibson takes his moderately crazy Lethal Weapon cop and lets him go over the edge, giving Jerry a simultaneous vulnerability and capability that somehow coexist in one frightened and desperate man. Julia Roberts lets us hear her trademark laugh sparingly, and offers some real depth in her portrayal of the fearful woman who can't believe, but wishes she could. And Patrick Stewart (most well known for his role as Star Trek's Captain Jean Luc Picard) manages both an American accent and truly villanous mien for his role as the enigmatic Dr. Jonas.

Whether you're fond of conspiracy theories or not, you'll find Conspiracy Theory a diverting and entertaining two hours. And if you're a closet believer, well, grab your copy of "Catcher in the Rye" and get ready to feel right at home.

NOTE FOR FREEDOM FIGHTERS: The government isn't always out to protect us. Conspiracy Theory shows what can happen when authority goes too far, innocents know too much, and power refuses to accept boundaries.

FAMILY SUITABILITY: Conspiracy Theory is rated R. Although there is no nudity or sex and little bloody violence, some scenes of torture are extremely graphic and the intensity of the movie overall is considerable. Add to that a complex plot, and you'll want to limit viewing to those 15 and older.