Secret in Their Eyes: A Gripping Remake with a Twist
A Hollywood remake of the Argentinian detective masterpiece, “Secret in Their Eyes,” emerges, offering a compelling narrative that stands on its own, even if it doesn’t quite reach the original’s level of cinematic ingenuity.
A Haunting Cold Case
Thirteen years after the devastating events of 9/11, Los Angeles is shaken by the discovery of a high school student’s body. The victim is Jess’s (Julia Roberts) daughter, an FBI agent whose life is irrevocably shattered. Her partner, Ray (Chiwetel Ejiofor), and district attorney Claire (Nicole Kidman) embark on a relentless pursuit of the killer, only to see him slip through their fingers. Ray, however, refuses to give up, dedicating years to scouring databases, driven by an unwavering determination to bring the fugitive to justice. Now, he believes he has finally found him.
Fun Fact: Julia Roberts personally invited Nicole Kidman to join the cast, marking their first collaboration.
The Shadow of the Original
In 2010, the Academy Awards witnessed a surprising upset when Juan José Campanella’s Argentinian crime thriller, “Secret in Their Eyes,” clinched the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, surpassing critically acclaimed contenders like Michael Haneke’s “The White Ribbon” and Jacques Audiard’s “A Prophet.”
Behind the Scenes: Cinematography by Daniel Moder, Julia Roberts’ husband.
Initially met with skepticism, those who doubted its victory were soon won over by its masterful blend of detective thriller, political commentary, and psychological drama. “Secret in Their Eyes” resonated with both casual viewers and seasoned cinephiles, earning prestigious international awards and achieving blockbuster success in its home country.
A Remake That Justifies Its Existence
While a remake might have seemed unnecessary, the rights were acquired, and writer-director Billy Ray, known for his work on “The Hunger Games” and “Breach,” took on the challenge. Facing the daunting task of reimagining a beloved film, Ray delivers a commendable adaptation that avoids being a mere imitation. Even for those deeply familiar with Campanella’s original, Ray’s version offers a fresh perspective, thoughtfully adapting the story to reflect North American realities and sensibilities.
Divergences and New Themes
The new “Secret in Their Eyes” distinguishes itself from its predecessor in several key aspects. Unlike the original, which heavily relies on flashbacks, the remake gives equal weight to both the past and present. Ray and Claire’s investigation, initiated 13 years prior, remains ongoing, rather than simply resurfacing in conversation. Furthermore, the American adaptation centers on the murder of a colleague’s daughter, a personal connection that intensifies the stakes. Jess’s character is also significantly expanded, offering a new lens through which to examine pivotal events shared by both narratives.
Obsession Takes Center Stage
These differences lead to distinct thematic explorations. While the Argentinian film delves into the challenges of justice during a dictatorship, the Hollywood remake primarily focuses on the destructive nature of obsession. Ray’s obsession with finding the killer, Jess’s obsession with retribution, and the killer’s own twisted obsessions create a web of dangerous and painful consequences. Unlike films that glorify detectives consumed by their cases, “Secret in Their Eyes” portrays the characters’ obsessions as a source of profound damage, leaving them fractured and their relationships strained.
Star Power and Hyperrealism
While the strength of each narrative approach is debatable, the Hollywood version boasts a cast of undeniably charismatic performers. Ejiofor, Kidman, Roberts, and Dean Norris bring a hyperrealistic, almost comic book-like quality to the film, contrasting with the more grounded performances in the original. However, certain key scenes benefit from this star power. For instance, the interrogation scene, where Kidman’s character uses humiliation to provoke a suspect, is elevated by her captivating presence. Similarly, Roberts’ transformation into a grief-stricken shell of her former self is particularly haunting, given her well-known radiance and the glimpses of Jess’s vibrant personality in flashbacks.
A Muscular and Memorable Thriller
Billy Ray aimed to create a more “muscular” film, and he succeeds in delivering a dynamic, emotional, and dramatic experience. While it may lack some of the original’s subtlety and occasionally veer towards comic book territory, Ray’s “Secret in Their Eyes” remains a thought-provoking blend of crime thriller, psychological drama, and political commentary, inextricably linked to the events of 9/11. This is a film that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
Technical Shortcomings
Surprisingly, the Hollywood production falls short of the Argentinian film in terms of technical prowess. The original boasts stunning visuals, including a breathtaking five-minute continuous shot that sweeps across a football stadium, identifying police officers and a suspect amidst the crowd before capturing a thrilling chase. While the remake attempts a similar scene, it lacks the same artistry and innovation. Ray’s focus appears to have been on the script and performances, which he delivers admirably. However, the visual splendor of the original is missed, leaving a void that could have elevated the film even further.