Official Synopsis:
Oscar nominee Robert Downey, Jr. "gives the performance of his career" in this acclaimed, all-star movie that weaves sly comedy, suspenseful film noir and spirited musical numbers into one of the most original productions in years. When it comes to murder, seduction and betrayal, pulp-fiction author Dan Dark (Downey) wrote the book. But now, he's living it. Languishing in a hospital room with an immobilizing condition, Dark has lost himself in the fictional world of his alter ego, a hardboiled detective and dance-band singer living in 1950s Los Angeles. As Dark's grasp on reality continues to slip, he's placed under the care of an enigmatic psychiatrist (Oscar winner Mel Gibson). Together, they plunge into the mystery of Dark's psyche, where everyone is suspect and danger waits at every turn. Co-starring Robin Wright Penn, Jeremy Northam, Katie Holmes, Carla Cugino and Oscar winner Adrien Brody, The Singing Detective hits all the right notes.
  
Our Take:
Robert Downey Jr. is a fantastic actor. He always has been despite his rocky personal life. Now, with Iron Man, he’s made his triumphant comeback, at least according to most people. Except that that’s not really true. You see there were two films before Iron Man that marked his “comeback” and they were Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Singing Detective.

The Singing Detective could have been a film that would have been talked about for the rest of film history. But it’s not. Adapted from the 1986 BBC mini-series of the same name this low budget affair just can’t capture the brilliance of the screenplay. Everything looks fine and dandy but it should have all been exceptional. This movie needed a filmmaker behind it that would have allowed more trust in producers to earn more money for the budget.

This DVD release is a bit confusing because the DVD was never out of print to my knowledge. It was released in 2004 and has been around ever since. Of course studios are going to want to put films starring Downey back into prominence on the shelves ever since Iron Man did so well, but even with that notion in mind there isn’t a single reference to Downey being Iron Man anywhere on the DVD case. In fact, the DVD case hasn’t changed in the slightest, which is actually a great thing since the cover art is so fantastic.

There is only one special feature included on the DVD; luckily, it’s the most important special feature in the form of a commentary track with director Keith Gordon.

Although The Singing Detective is Robert Downey Jr.’s big comeback the real star here happens to be Mel Gibson (who also happens to be mainly responsible for Downey getting back into the limelight due to Mel’s trusty word. It’s funny how the two men have now just about completely switched places in their personal lives). This movie is worth a rent but when it comes down to it you should just stick with the original mini-series.

Overall Picture:
Movie: B
DVD: B

- Landen Chase Pelish
Staff Writer