Oh my, where to start. I suspected TRACES OF RED wouldn't be a masterpiece before I ever pressed play. My expectations were more than exceeded. The obviously cheap production values and jejune script quickly provided ample confirmation that this effort was even worse than second rate. From the less-than-stellar cinematography shot in a nearly square aspect ratio*, to the pedestrian script featuring uninspired dialog and a completely nonsensical ending, the whole affair is more reminiscent of an episode of TV's SILK STALKINGS than a theatrical film.
While the cast features some big-name and soon-to-be-big-name talent -- actors that are usually competent at worst -- none of them ever quite connect with the material. Throughout, the entire cast appears to be bored, and it's hard to blame them. They have little good with which to work.
James Belushi is stuck on one note. His plentiful, sudden displays of rage might have worked with a passable script, but here they seem forced and lack conviction. Unfortunately, while he does well at being loud, he can't seem to muster the energy to do more.
Lorraine Bracco plays a basic homewrecking nymphomaniac tramp, not very convincingly, while Tony Goldwyn's main function is to look good in tight shirts and make dumb decisions. And the material leaves more than just the actors wanting.
TRACES OF RED fails to make use of picturesque Palm Beach, an asset that could have overcome some of the film's visual blandness. It's a little weird that the filmmakers chose to film in Fort Lauderdale when the Palm Beaches, where the action purportedly takes place, are just over 40 miles away. One establishing shot of Mar a Lago doesn't come anywhere close to capturing the unique flavor of the area, especially for viewers in South Florida. Given the approach, one wonders why they didn't just film in California. It wouldn't have made a difference.
As an erotic thriller, TRACES OF RED fails to generate any heat. Viewers willing to overlook loose logic in exchange for some sexy feels are in for a disappointment. Inartful cinematography, uncreative lighting, and dispassionate performances result in a misfire that's sure to leave watchers limp.
Most unforgivable among the movie's many flaws, however, is an ending that makes absolutely zero sense. Reversals are a time-honored tradition in suspense movies, but they have to be fair and supported. Cheating the audience to achieve a "surprise" ending is nothing more than a cheese off. The irreconcilable logical conflict the ending presents spoils the movie more than anything that could be written here, but viewers should still have the chance to see for themselves.
I wouldn't recommend they do.
* Edit -- IMDb indicates TRACES OF RED was filmed at an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The Amazon Prime version may have been scanned for television and appears to have an aspect ratio of 1.33:1.
While the cast features some big-name and soon-to-be-big-name talent -- actors that are usually competent at worst -- none of them ever quite connect with the material. Throughout, the entire cast appears to be bored, and it's hard to blame them. They have little good with which to work.
James Belushi is stuck on one note. His plentiful, sudden displays of rage might have worked with a passable script, but here they seem forced and lack conviction. Unfortunately, while he does well at being loud, he can't seem to muster the energy to do more.
Lorraine Bracco plays a basic homewrecking nymphomaniac tramp, not very convincingly, while Tony Goldwyn's main function is to look good in tight shirts and make dumb decisions. And the material leaves more than just the actors wanting.
TRACES OF RED fails to make use of picturesque Palm Beach, an asset that could have overcome some of the film's visual blandness. It's a little weird that the filmmakers chose to film in Fort Lauderdale when the Palm Beaches, where the action purportedly takes place, are just over 40 miles away. One establishing shot of Mar a Lago doesn't come anywhere close to capturing the unique flavor of the area, especially for viewers in South Florida. Given the approach, one wonders why they didn't just film in California. It wouldn't have made a difference.
As an erotic thriller, TRACES OF RED fails to generate any heat. Viewers willing to overlook loose logic in exchange for some sexy feels are in for a disappointment. Inartful cinematography, uncreative lighting, and dispassionate performances result in a misfire that's sure to leave watchers limp.
Most unforgivable among the movie's many flaws, however, is an ending that makes absolutely zero sense. Reversals are a time-honored tradition in suspense movies, but they have to be fair and supported. Cheating the audience to achieve a "surprise" ending is nothing more than a cheese off. The irreconcilable logical conflict the ending presents spoils the movie more than anything that could be written here, but viewers should still have the chance to see for themselves.
I wouldn't recommend they do.
* Edit -- IMDb indicates TRACES OF RED was filmed at an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The Amazon Prime version may have been scanned for television and appears to have an aspect ratio of 1.33:1.