Across the Hall

Plot: A man gets the room across the hall from his fiancée in order to catch her infidelity.

Starring: the late, great Brittany Murphy and Mike Vogul.

Review: First, I have to mention Brittany. All the actors were great in their parts, but Brittany was special. She has the look of a femme fatale yet plays the part with sympathy. She was a funny, multi layered actress, and it's a shame she left this world so young. I watched this movie as a tribute to Brittany as well as the genre. I am a huge film noir fan. This genre just isn't made much anymore, so it's exciting when a director makes one so well. The viewer is taken through the plot of a triangle involving a man, his fiancée, and his best friend. Shot basically in one setting of a seedy hotel, this film gives you a sense of claustrophobia as it winds its way through each room, each time revealing a new twist in the plot. Every character has the unique distinction of being both likeable and unlikeable at the same time, making for a very satisfactory movie pretty much any way it ends. Beautifully shot and set, this film is a perfect example of how a smaller budget film can still look expertly made. Dark, stylish film noir.

Rating: Acting-A

Writing-A

Directing-A

Music-B- from what I remember I liked it.

Cinematography-A

Editing-A

Costumes-A-very femme fatale

Art Direction-A

Makeup-A-Brittany looked stunning

*** Stars