Face Down

Face Down is a crime thriller from 1997 that stars Joe Mantegna, Peter Riegert, and Kelli Maroney. The film takes place in an unnamed city, where Detective Bill Malloy (played by Mantegna) is investigating the murder of a wealthy businessman. The victim was found in a hotel room, shot in the head and stripped of his clothes. Malloy quickly discovers that the victim had been living a double life, and had ties to the city's criminal underworld. As he delves deeper into the case, Malloy finds himself up against a web of lies and corruption that threatens to consume him.

The film begins with the murder of the businessman, and from there the story unfolds in a nonlinear fashion, flashing back and forth between different points in time. This approach adds to the film's sense of mystery and intrigue, as the audience is slowly piecing together the events leading up to the murder along with Malloy.

One of the film's strongest aspects is its cast, particularly Mantegna and Riegert. Mantegna is excellent as the world-weary detective, worn down by years of working in a corrupt police department. He exudes a quiet intensity that draws the audience in and makes us root for him to solve the case. Riegert, meanwhile, plays Malloy's partner, Sgt. Pete Mantich, with a charming affability that contrasts nicely with Malloy's gruffness. The two actors have a great rapport onscreen, and their banter adds some welcome humor to the film.

The supporting cast is also strong, with Maroney standing out as a prostitute who gets caught up in the case. She brings a vulnerability and depth to the role that makes her stand out from the typical "hooker with a heart of gold" archetype. Other notable performances come from Adam Baldwin as a shady businessman, and Lolita Davidovich as Malloy's estranged wife.

In addition to its strong cast, Face Down also boasts some effective cinematography and music. The visuals are moody and atmospheric, with lots of shadowy alleys and neon-lit bars that create a sense of danger and intrigue. The score, by Richard Gibbs, is similarly evocative, with a jazzy, noirish vibe that perfectly matches the film's tone.

Overall, Face Down is a solid crime thriller that offers plenty of twists and turns along the way. It's not a groundbreaking film by any means, but it's well-made and entertaining, with a strong cast and plenty of suspense. If you're a fan of hard-boiled detective stories, or just like a good mystery, it's definitely worth checking out.