Mirage (1965)

Myriad Maze of Mental Mirages.

Mirage is directed by Edward Dmytryk and adapted by Peter Stone from a book written by Howard Fast. It stars Gregory Peck, Diane Baker, Walter Matthau, Kevin McCarthy, Leif Erickson and George Kennedy. Music is scored by Quincy Jones and cinematography by Joseph MacDonald.

David Stillwell (Peck) finds he is suffering from Unconscious Amnesia and that he has blacked out the events of the previous two years. That's rare, but Stillwell must find out what happened because he might have a lover, has shifty characters after him and he may even have committed murder?.

20 years after appearing in the tricksy and turny psychological thriller "Spellbound" for Alfred Hitchcock, Gregory Peck jumps into the same type of shoes with a modicum of success. It's a little too contrived for its own good, with the odd character serving to the plot as god knows what? Seriously, what is Baker doing here? While the weak ending doesn't pay off on the suspense and mystery that had previously been well orchestrated by Dmytryk. On the plus side is the shadowy black and white photography by MacDonald, giving the film an edge, and the use of real New York locations lend the film some serio worth.

Matthau slips in and steals the film from an efficient Peck, and Kennedy and McCarthy score well as muscle and shifty respectively. It's not essential as a Peck or Dmytryk piece, or as a politico/mystery thriller, but enough interest within to keep it above average and Matthau more than makes it worth while. 6/10

Edward Dmytryk is trying his hand at a bit of Alfred Hitchcock in this superior thriller about "Stillwell" (Gregory Peck). This rather mild mannered accountant is all of a sudden on a death list? Why? Well neither he, nor we, have a clue - but luckily he has enough of a survival instinct to make it past the first few attempts on his life and alight on savvy PI "Caselle" (Walter Matthau) with whom he tries to put together what seems the most unlikely of stories. Nothing makes sense to the man - he remembers nothing that makes sense. His old office has gone, his recollections likewise. People are speaking with him about whom he knows nothing. Has any of this anything to do with the recent death of charity boss "Calvin"? He does know his job - but he has no idea what that job entails (maybe he is a politician!?). Gradually, and painstakingly, he must continue to evade those pursuing him whilst he tries to piece together the jigsaw of his life. Peck is on good form here, he delivers a convincing performance as a character devoid of any form of psychological security. He simply doesn't recall who he is. He knows not whom to trust nor why any of this is happening. His frustration is palpable and we are drawn into his predicament gradually and firmly. The ending is a little bit of a let down, it sort of runs home to corporate mama a bit - but it's a compelling watch that gives an early outing to George Kennedy and offers Diane Baker a small opportunity to shine too.