Art of Deception – Film Review

Art of Deception, a 2019 action thriller film directed and co-written by Richard Ryan, ambitiously sets out to meld heart-stopping action sequences with the cerebral intrigue of a science fiction narrative. This movie aims to narrate a high-stakes, personal story against the backdrop of global conspiracy and peril. With an exciting premise that touches on themes of mind control, betrayal, and undying love, the film certainly has the components of a riveting action-packed thriller. However, despite its ambitious intentions and a storyline ripe with potential, Art of Deception struggles significantly in execution, leading to an overall viewing experience that leaves much to be desired.

At the core of Art of Deception is Joseph Markham, played by Richard Ryan, who discovers a sinister CIA plot aiming for global domination through the implementation of a mind control program. The stakes are raised exponentially when Joseph’s wife, Valentina Markham, portrayed by Jackie Nova, becomes entangled in this nefarious plot, turning the scientist’s battle into not just one for the fate of the world, but the life of his loved one. The premise is intriguing, suggesting a blend of action, thriller, and a dash of science fiction elements that could captivate audiences looking for more than just run-of-the-mill fight scenes.

Regrettably, Art of Deception is marred by several pivotal issues that prevent it from achieving its full potential. Firstly, the script, co-written by Ryan and Michael Marcelin, lacks the sophistication and nuance necessary to adequately explore the ambitious themes it sets out to address. Dialogues often come across as stilted and expository, lacking the natural flow that could lend more authenticity to the characters and their dilemmas. This is a significant setback for a film that hinges heavily on the audience’s investment in the emotional and moral quandaries faced by its protagonist.

Furthermore, while the cast shows dedication to their roles, their performances are often undermined by the film’s inability to fully flesh out characters beyond the surface level. Richard Ryan’s portrayal of Joseph Markham is commendable for its earnestness but suffers from a lack of depth that makes it challenging for the audience to fully root for his cause. Jackie Nova, as Valentina Markham, displays grit and resilience, yet the character’s development feels truncated, leaving viewers wanting more insight into her motivations and struggles. Supporting performances, including Leon van Waas as Roland Smith and Zac Titus as Slater Badd, provide some entertainment but ultimately fall into stereotypical roles that lack originality.

On a technical level, Art of Deception exhibits a range of qualities from the commendable to the lackluster. The action sequences, while not groundbreaking, are choreographed with enough proficiency to provide moments of excitement. However, these sequences are often hampered by inconsistent pacing and editing that disrupts the film’s ability to build tension effectively. The cinematography, though competent, does little to elevate the narrative, missing opportunities to use visual storytelling to its advantage.

Moreover, the film’s ambitious attempt at tackling a grand conspiracy plot ends up feeling underdeveloped and, at times, convoluted. The inclusion of themes such as mind control and world domination is an interesting choice but necessitates a level of detail and explanation that the film does not adequately provide. As a result, the plot’s larger implications often feel abstract and detached from the emotional core of Joseph’s personal struggle, making it difficult for the audience to fully engage with the story’s broader stakes.

Art of Deception does have moments that hint at what could have been. Certain scenes between Joseph and Valentina showcase a genuine attempt at emotional depth, providing a glimpse into the more intimate narrative that the film could have explored more thoroughly. Additionally, the concept of a scientist fighting against a corrupt system from within has the makings of a compelling thriller. It is in these glimpses of potential that the film’s true tragedy lies – the sense that with more refined writing, character development, and directorial focus, Art of Deception could have been a significantly more impactful and engaging work.

Art of Deception is a film that, despite its lofty ambitions and earnest efforts, ultimately falls short of delivering a memorable action thriller experience. Its attempts to weave together a narrative of personal sacrifice, love, and global intrigue are undercut by a combination of underdeveloped writing, uneven performances, and lackluster technical execution. While it may offer brief moments of entertainment for die-hard fans of the genre, it is unlikely to resonate on a deeper level or leave a lasting impression. The art of deception, it seems, is a craft that this film ambitiously attempts but struggles to master.