The Underneath [Blu-ray]

Director: Steven Soderbergh Steven Soderbergh

Overview

A remake of the classic Robert Siodmak film noir Criss Cross, Steven Soderbergh's The Underneath follows much the same plot and narrative arc of the original, but expands the possibilities of its thriller structure to also explore the complexities and insecurities at the heart of modern relationships. Peter Gallagher stars as Michael, a compulsive gambler who returns to his Texas home for the wedding of his mother (Anjanette Comer). In his absence, his ex-wife Rachel (Alison Elliott) has married Tommy (William Fichtner), a ruthless local hood. Michael and Rachel soon resume their relationship, incurring Tommy's wrath. Out of their deceptions grows a plot to heist an armored car, a crime which requires the unwitting aid of Michael's stepfather (Paul Dooley) as well as a banker (Elisabeth Shue) with whom Michael shared a brief fling.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/16/2021
UPC:	0738329251345
Original Release:	1995
Rating:	R
Source:	Kl Studio Classics
Language:	English
Time:	1:39:00
Sales rank:	37,375

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Peter Gallagher	Michael Chambers
Alison Elliott	Rachel
William Fichtner	Tommy Dundee
Adam Trese	David Chambers
Joe Don Baker	Clay Hinkle
Paul Dooley	Ed Dutton
Elisabeth Shue	Susan
Anjanette Comer	Mrs. Chambers
Dennis Hill	Guard (Tom)
Harry Goaz	Guard (Casey)
Mark Feltch	Guard (George)
Jules Sharp	Hinkle's Assistant
Kenneth D. Harris	Mantrap Guard
Vincent Gaskins	Michael's Partner
Cliff Haby	Turret Operator
Tonie Perensky	Ember Waitress
Randall Brady	Ember Bartender
Richard Linklater	Ember Doorman
Helen Cates	Susan's Friend
Kevin Crutchfield	VIP Room Flunky
Brad Leland	Man Delivering Money
Rick Perkins	TV Delivery Man No. 1
Paul Wright	TV Delivery Man No. 2
David Jensen	Satellite Dish Installer
Jordy Hultberg	TV Sports Reporter
Steve Shearer	Detective
Fred Ellis	Detective's Partner
Joe Chrest	Mr. Rodman,Mr. Rodman
Wheel	Band No. 2
Shelley Duvall	Nurse
John Martin	Justice Of The Peace
Cliff Martinez	Composer

Technical Credits

Steven Soderbergh

Daniel Fuchs

Sam Lowry

Steven Soderbergh	Director,Screenwriter
Joshua Donen	Executive Producer
John Hardy	Producer
William Reid	Executive Producer
Bobby Sargent	Stunts
Lionel Wigram	Executive Producer
Ronnie Yeskel	Casting
Daniel Fuchs	Screenwriter
Sam Lowry	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

Awash in deceit, obsession, and opaque color schemes, Steven Soderbergh's loose adaptation of the 1948 noir classic Criss Cross ranks as one of the director's most ambitious projects, if not his most successful. Though the performers are stellar all around -- including a misanthropic Peter Gallagher, the always menacing William Fichtner, and a pre-Leaving Las Vegas Elisabeth Shue -- only the luminous newcomer Alison Elliot manages to generate any sort of audience sympathy. As the plot twists pile up, Soderbergh exhibits an impressive control of suspense, pacing, and tension, but the film remains curiously cold and distant. This is bank robbery as an escape from existential malaise; quite a different attitude from Soderbergh's loose, buoyant, and altogether superior take on crime just three years later, 1998's Out of Sight.

All Movie Guide - Michael Hastings