In the aftermath of a horse-racing scam, a box of incriminating photographs appears to be the trump card. But to take possession of the photographs is also to take responsibility, to accept the burdens of the past; and no-one is exactly sure what it is they really want. One can see how 'Simpatico' might have made a good play, but it's an ordinary film. There's a stagey feel throughout, and the introduction of flashbacks into the basic structure is unilluminating. Of a starry cast, Nick Nolte has played ruined more interestingly elsewhere; Sharon Stone has little to do; while I always find Jeff Bridges annoying, and do so here as well. The real stars are Albert Finney, who sparkles in his role; and an exceptionally beautiful horse.
Review of Simpatico
