It's Just A Theory
Conspiracy Theory Intrigues But Doesn't Thrill

In many ways, it's a shame that Conspiracy Theory had to be a summer movie. Of course, when a studio makes a movie filled with mega-stars like Julia Roberts and Mel Gibson, it's only natural they wish to capitalize on the industry's biggest season. Nevertheless, one can't help but think that the script for Theory went through some changes to make it palpable for summer audiences. What could have been an intriguing psychological drama has been dumbed-down for the target audience of director Richard Donner's work.

In Conspiracy Theory, Gibson plays Jerry Fletcher, a cab driver with some inspired ideas about the world we live in. During the opening montage, we are introduced to several of them -- some familiar, others not. (My favorite has to do with the Militias and the New World Order.) Jerry's other interests include a beautiful woman named Alice Sutton (Roberts), who works for the Justice Department and listens politely to his incoherent ramblings.

Soon Jerry insists his life is in danger, and Alice must make the decision of whether or not to help him. In what has to be the greatest failing of the script, we see her throw away logic and take him seriously. It doesn't make sense. Jerry is, in her own words, "one step from a restraining order." How can she believe in him? Faith? Trust? Unfortunately, Donner uses the most contrived of all plot devices: LOVE.

While Conspiracy Theory is entertaining and amusing, it fails to become a great movie. Instead of building psychological suspense (I think this script would have soared in the hands of Hitchcock), Donner allows action to carry the movie. Also, he prefers to take the low road whenever possible and play off Mel Gibson's charms to explain away holes in the plot.

I couldn't help but wonder how sympathetic the audience would be toward Jerry if a less handsome man had played the role. Would Steve Buscemi or Harry Dean Stanton been harder to accept as a hero if they had come to Alice for help? I think Conspiracy Theory would have been a more interesting movie if the lead had been played by a less attractive, more terrifying, individual. I know it would have made less sense for Roberts to trust say, Christopher Walken, if romance wasn't an issue. Maybe the director would have been forced to work harder to make the audience believe such an unbelievable story.

Gibson and Roberts work well together, despite the holes in their characters. In an off-season release of the same movie, I think two unknowns could have carried it just as well. Patrick Stewart plays the spooky Dr. Jonas quite well. His scene with Roberts in his office is at once terrifying and reassuring. He plays it sensationally.

All that said, Conspiracy Theory is an entertaining movie. It's just a shame it couldn't have been more. If you like conspiracies, you'll understand more of the references made in the movie. This is a movie made for the Art Bell crowd. Still, you don't have to be paranoid to enjoy this movie, but it will help.

MY RATING: 6 out of 10.

RATED: R
RUN TIME: 135 min.