Apt Pupil (1998). Cert 15. Director - Bryan Singer. Writer - Stephen King & Brandon Boyce. Starring - Brad Renfro, Ian McKellan, David Schwimmer & Joshua Jackson.

Premise - A boy blackmails an old man into telling him his secret memories of being a Nazi war criminal. I have been trying to see this film for years, ever since I read the Stephen King short story (taken from the same compilation as The Shawshank Redemption & Stand By Me). However a limited UK cinema release and a shoddily stocked local video store conspired against me in my efforts. Finally, thanks to the wonders of the internet I got to see it. Was it worth the time and effort? Yes, and no......... Lets look at why it was worth the effort first. Ian McKellan. Simply put, this man is one of the greatest actors walking the planet. One of the things I have noticed about McKellan in the films I have seen him in is that he tends to act a lot with his eyes. If you look into his eyes in 'Apt Pupil' you see pure undiluted evil. The appearance he projects is that of a frail old man, but look into his eyes and a cold shot of fear takes you over. Similarly in 'The Fellowship Of The Ring' you could look into his eyes and feel that he possessed great power, but could be as tender and loving as a Hobbit. McKellan nails this part right to the floor, I couldn't possibly imagine anyone else bringing to the plate what he did in this movie. Brad Renfro was also very impressive. God only knows what this obviously talented young man has been doing since. His IMDB page lists nothing of note since bar 'Ghost World'. The direction by Bryan Singer is assured and solid. Following up a film of such quality as 'The Usual Suspects' was no mean feat, but he puts in a workman like shift here. No bells and whistles, he clearly felt that the performances from his two main players was enough to lift the film above average. However, here comes the 'but'. For my money the film takes some liberties with the source material that have watered down the effect that the book had and that the film could have had. To elaborate I will have divulge a few spoilers.....   SPOILER SPACE> In the book both Dussander and Todd are prolific killers by the time Dussander has his heart attack. In the film Dussander has killed only one and all Todd has killed is a pigeon. This for me takes away from the precarious situation the Todd finds himself in. The sudden realisation of just how deep he has fallen into Dussanders world. Also in the book Todd shots and kills the guidance teacher in the final scene. In the film he threatens him with sexual assault claims. The book ending suggest that Todd has made the final step and has become Dussander. He is now willing to kill to protect his secret. The ending of the film, whilst good, lacks the punch that killing the counsellor would have provided. These are mute points if you haven't read the short story, but I thought were ill judged changes to the story. Apt Pupil whilst an excellent film could, I feel have been even better.

7/10 for Apt Pupil. Poster Quote - What does evil look like?