The film opens with the quote, "The smartest among us is often not the one who thinks he is." It’s a telling statement that sets the tone for the film. Certainly the doctor seems to think that he has the upper hand in this little scheme, and like most doctors, has a bit of an ego complex. When Ryan’s true plan is revealed, however, the doctor’s world is turned on its head.
This film has great potential, but its problems seem to outweigh many of the good elements. The film has tons of dramatic moments, but it overcompensates for logic problems and poor script by overdoing them.
Film noir is definitely an under-used style these days, and I’m thrilled to see that it’s still being tackled. Ryan’s Alibi is a psychological thriller with the potential to be a real rollercoaster of a movie.
