In 1995’s “Mute Witness”, Marina Sudina stars as Billy Hughes, a special effects artist working on a low budget ‘slasher’ film in Russia. She also happens to be mute. Late one night, she witnesses the fhe filming of a real murder… or does she? No one believes her… after all why should they? What is real and what is movie magic? In this movie nothing, and I mean nothing is as it seems. In a parallel to the movie you see being filmed, “Mute Witness” was itself actually a low budget ‘slasher’ film shot in Russia. But don’t be put off by its low budget stature, as I almost was back in 1995. “Mute Witness”, by first time feature director Anthony Waller, has everything you might expect from a suspense thriller. It is a high quality B-movie with strong performances by every actor. Marina Sudina as Billy, has only her face and hands to express her feelings. And express them she does, putting Holly Hunter’s performance in “The Piano” to shame.

Evan Richards and Fay Ripley as the film within a film’s director and Billy’s sister, respectively, add strong touches of humor to this otherwise edge-of-your-seat thriller. Oleg Jankowskij as Larsen is sly and scheming as the helpful police detective (or is he?). “Mute Witness” even boasts a ‘Mystery Guest Star.” It’s given away on the back of the DVD release, so I challenge you not to read it and see if you can spot him in the movie. Use the force if you have to.

Sony / Columbia Tristar’s release of “Mute Witness” is definitely worth your time to pick up. When I first heard of it back when it was originally released in theatres I almost dismissed it as another cheap thriller. Well, it may not have cost much to make, but it’s a Thriller with a capital T.

‘snuff’ said!!

Directed by: Anthony Waller
Starring: Marina Sudina, Faye Ripley, Evan Richards, Oleg Jankowskij
Specifications: Widescreen (2.35:1) Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions, Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 8/26/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (For Violence and a Strong Scene Combining Sex and Violence)
Website

We'll give Mute Witness an A.