Raising Caine

How exactly does one sum up the appeal of Michael Caine? Whether he's winning a couple of Oscars, camping it up as Austin Powers' dad or keeping Batman down to earth as loyal manservant Alfred, he's always kicking thespian ass. He’s like the white British Morgan Freeman—completely reliable, with a distinctive, comforting voice, even if it is Cockney. His career is also all about remakes. He starred and then co-starred in both Get Carters, The Italian Job was thankfully remade and 2004's Alfie starred Jude Law, probably the new Michael Caine. It's almost destiny that Law and Caine would collide, and they do so in this year's Sleuth, a (surprise) remake of Caine's creepy-brilliant 1972 flick co-starring Laurence Olivier about a man who invites his wife's lover over for some torture and games. The greatness of the story, both play and film, is that it's played out by these two men in a battle of wits. Olivier was diabolical, and now Caine has his turn. With a new modern touch, hopefully director Kenneth Branagh will maintain the original brilliance of the story. Sleuth screens at The Modern, 3200 Darnell St. in Fort Worth, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 1-866-824-5566 or visit themodern.org.
Nov. 16-18, 2007