This film has had a checkered history, to say the least. Adapted by director Gary Fleder's buddy Scott Rosenberg from a Philip Dick (BLADE RUNNER, TOTAL RECALL) short story, it was originally intended to be a 30-minute episode in a 1999 movie trilogy. The producers thought the concept could be expanded to a feature. At least four other writers worked at various times on developing the script for the longer version. Principal photography was completed almost two years ago. Dimension announced a succession of release dates, none of which proved to be accurate. A changed political climate in the entertainment industry led to re-shooting the more violent moments, and the toned-down version received a 'PG' rating from the MPAA instead of the 'R' rating it was first given.
The result, finally released, is a chaotically plotted futuristic remake of THE FUGITIVE. Gary Sinise plays a weapons designer in a world 80 years from now that's besieged by would-be invaders from Alpha Centauri. The aliens plan to assassinate Earth's leader using artificial humans with bombs planted inside their hearts. The weapons engineer is believed by Earth's security forces to be one of these assassins. Vincent D'Onofrio portrays the chief nemesis, relentlessly pursuing Mr. Sinise. Unfortunately, neither character is well enough written or acted to make much connection with the audience, so we don't really care what happens to them. Only Madeleine Stowe, playing Mr. Sinise's physician wife, attracts any empathy or interest.
The movie is shot in those monochromatic hues that have become commonplace in so many films. The action scenes are routinely staged, and so poorly photographed and disjointedly edited that we can't follow what's happening to whom most of the time. One positive element is the visual effects which, although used sparingly, are attractively designed and executed.
Given the source material and the cast, IMPOSTOR proves to be a big disappointment that was hardly worth the wait.
The result, finally released, is a chaotically plotted futuristic remake of THE FUGITIVE. Gary Sinise plays a weapons designer in a world 80 years from now that's besieged by would-be invaders from Alpha Centauri. The aliens plan to assassinate Earth's leader using artificial humans with bombs planted inside their hearts. The weapons engineer is believed by Earth's security forces to be one of these assassins. Vincent D'Onofrio portrays the chief nemesis, relentlessly pursuing Mr. Sinise. Unfortunately, neither character is well enough written or acted to make much connection with the audience, so we don't really care what happens to them. Only Madeleine Stowe, playing Mr. Sinise's physician wife, attracts any empathy or interest.
The movie is shot in those monochromatic hues that have become commonplace in so many films. The action scenes are routinely staged, and so poorly photographed and disjointedly edited that we can't follow what's happening to whom most of the time. One positive element is the visual effects which, although used sparingly, are attractively designed and executed.
Given the source material and the cast, IMPOSTOR proves to be a big disappointment that was hardly worth the wait.