Reel critics

Vincent Novack

Famous films such as “Double Indemnity” and “Little Foxes” feature

stories in which unbelievably evil characters corrupt or take advantage

of basically “good” people, most often with their assistance. In this

respect, “Original Sin” is an old-fashioned bodice-ripping melodrama

featuring lust, greed and murder.

Based on the Cornell Woolrich novel “Waltz Into Darkness,” the film

opens with a close-up of Angelina Jolie’s bee-stung lips behind prison

bars saying, “this isn’t a love story, it’s a story about love.” More

accurately, it’s a story about obsession and codependency. Flashbacks

eventually reveal she is to be executed by the garrote.

The film features great period costumes and beautiful locations and

scenery, Michael Cristofer’s direction keeps the action moving well

despite some choppy editing. The plot is pretty transparent at times,

although I must admit to being surprised by several of the twists and

turns and was entertained throughout.

The plot is actually secondary to such a lurid story line. The true

purpose of the movie is to allow Antonio Banderas and Jolie to chew the

scenery and display their considerable physical assets. Jolie’s character

alternates between skilled con artist and true evil. Banderas does a good

job of appearing to be completely within her grasp, unable or unwilling

to escape. Additionally, Thomas Jane does a fine job as Billy, a key

supporting role.

The R rating given “Original Sin” is due to considerable nudity,

particularly during the love scenes between the lead characters. The

intense passion shared by the couple has to be shown to explain Luis’

complete addiction to Julia. Unlike the melodramas of old, “Original Sin”

does not cut away to waves crashing on the beach in place of love scenes.

This movie is strictly for adults and wouldn’t be nearly as effective if

toned down for a PG-13 rating.

I recommend Original Sin as a guilty pleasure. This is a rare

opportunity to see two talented and extremely attractive stars at their

unfettered best.* VINCENT A. (VAN) NOVACK, 48, is the director of

institutional research at Cal State Long Beach.