Hidden Movie Gem: “Her Alibi”
Today’s Hidden Movie Gem guest post comes from David Proenza
Movie Title: Her Alibi (1989)
Writer: Charlie Peters
Director: Bruce Beresford
Starring: Tom Selleck, Paulina Porizkova, William Daniels
Plot Summary: A mystery novelist suffering from severe writer’s block pretends to be the alibi of a beautiful woman accused of murder, using her as inspiration for his next book.
Why This Film is a Hidden Gem: Her Alibi is a hidden gem that should be viewed by all writers. At one point or another we’ve all suffered through writer’s block and we each have our own methods for getting through it. Phil Blackwood (Tom Selleck) was a successful mystery novelist who has been suffering through his own string of writer’s block, much to the chagrin of his editor, Sam (the always awesome William Daniels). While sitting in a courthouse, trying to find ideas for his next novel, he sees a beautiful woman, Nina (Paulina Porizkova) accused of brutally murdering her lover. And just like that, Phil has his inspiration.
He helps her out by setting up a story claiming he’s her alibi, getting her out of jail while hiding his true motivations. The rest of the story plays out with him falling in love while at the same time completely unsure if this woman, who he insists is innocent, could actually be a cold-blooded killer. Harassed by a hard-nosed detective, Romanian mobsters, circus clowns and his own wild imagination, Phil’s quest to write his next great novel takes as many twists and turns as any real life mystery.
My Favorite Moment in the Film: This is kind of a cheat, but my favorite moment of the movie isn’t just one instance but rather the extremely clever use of voice over throughout. The juxtaposition of Phil’s actual life against that of the novel’s narrator provides some of the movie’s funniest moments, showing that we writer’s really do live in our own little worlds…
My Favorite Dialogue:
[As Nina deftly scales a barn to save a trapped boy]
Phil: [Narrating a passage of his upcoming book out loud — more than a little embellishing the truth] Swift realized the only chance for the child lay in his hands. Unconcerned for his own safety, Swift scaled the towering wall of the embassy, bracing himself against the powerful Alpine winds. He calmly walked the crest of the roof — at least 300 feet above the cold slate of the courtyard. The tile broke in his grasp, and the startled screams of the women watching rose like prayers from far below… Finally, Swift reached the terrified child and, holding him tightly, swung him through the bay window of the embassy into his mother’s outstretched… and eternally grateful arms.
Sam: What did you say she did back in Romania?
Phil: [Puzzled pause] …Receptionist?
Thanks, David! To show our gratitude for your guest post, here’s a dash of creative juju for you. Whoosh!
Tomorrow: Another Hidden Movie Gem!
Note: We filled up the month of October, so I don’t need any more guest posts. Thanks to everyone who participated!