Murderous Doubts

I have Murderous Doubts about the screenwriter's ability to come up with a meaningful plot and Ivo Toman's ability to turn it into something at least a little bit conceivable. An incredibly bad attempt at a psychological film with a detective plot in the background, which fits perfectly among the grey mass of what was produced in 1978. The only way to keep watching until the end was thanks to my favourite, the great actor Mirek Machacek, who in his civilian life, consumed by mental anguish that was perfectly reflected in his expression, seemed to be perfect for a role like this. (2006-12-28)

When Macháček’s character, in the presence of a child, sticks his right hand into his pants pocket, does it mean: a) he’s rubbing his genitals in pedophilic excitement, b) he’s reaching for a knife to satisfy his murderous urges, or c) he’s grabbing a handkerchief to wipe his sweaty forehead? With these quiz-like questions and a slightly more psychological approach than in A Girl Fit to Be Killed, the creators are dubiously testing us, only to "spill the beans" about two-thirds of the way through. Aside from the perpetrator, the prosecutor should focus on chief investigator Vinklář as well, because this was a violation of § 391, Unauthorized Spread of Arrogance. By the way, only selling strong beer so that guests craving weaker stuff buy non-alcoholic beverages is an interesting strategy for bartenders who are Kofola shareholders. (2022-10-14)