Shattered

Wolfgang Petersen's 1991 mystery thriller, "Shattered," plunges viewers into the disorienting world of Dan Merrick, an architect who awakens from a severe car accident with amnesia, his face reconstructed and his past a blank slate. The film's initial premise, exploring Merrick's struggle to piece together his identity amidst conflicting accounts from his wife and business associates, sets a compelling stage for a psychological thriller. However, the narrative, adapted by Petersen himself from Richard Neely's novel, frequently becomes overly intricate and implausible as it progresses, with critics noting the plot often gets "too clever for its own good" and eventually "strains credulity".

The screenplay's reliance on increasingly convoluted twists ultimately undermines the initial suspense, leading to a conclusion that many found difficult to accept. Despite its narrative shortcomings, "Shattered" benefits significantly from Petersen's assured direction. His visual panache and ability to craft a shadowy, portentous atmosphere are consistently praised, elevating the material beyond its script's limitations.

The film is a "sleek, high-style suspense thriller" with "terrific energy, visual panache and a dry wit". Laszlo Kovacs' cinematography contributes to this stylish aesthetic, providing fluid and graceful camerawork. Furthermore, the performances are a notable strength, with Tom Berenger delivering a thoughtful portrayal of the confused protagonist, and Bob Hoskins earning particular acclaim for his scene-stealing turn as an eccentric private investigator.

Greta Scacchi also contributes a strong performance as Merrick's enigmatic wife. While the film's technical aspects like production design and editing are competent, they do not stand out as prominently as the direction and acting. The score, while present, does not receive extensive critical discussion.

Ultimately, "Shattered" remains an engaging watch for its craft and performances, even if its narrative ambition occasionally overreaches.