Sex, extortion, murder are all hiding behind a veil of 'Deception'
Sex, extortion, murder are all hiding behind a veil of 'Deception'

Published: April 25, 2008

Even the title seems like something Showtime plays long after the children go to bed: "Deception.” Despite the presence of two fine actors, Hugh Jackman and Ewan McGregor, it is that kind of film — sex, shadows and skullduggery. It is just a better version of a Zalman King flick: Think "Red Shoe Diaries” with talent on display instead of just skin.

McGregor plays Jonathan McQuarry, an easy mark — his last name gives it away.

McQuarry is a lonely, buttoned-down accountant tasked with investigating corporate bookkeeping. He is checking the ledgers at a high-powered law firm when Wyatt Bose (Jackman) spies him. Wyatt befriends the meek number cruncher, takes him to elite bars and then abruptly leaves for London, but not before switching cell phones with him.

Jonathan starts getting cryptic calls that always start with, "Are you free tonight?” It turns out that Wyatt is a member of an exclusive sex club.

Jonathan starts indulging in anonymous sex in high-priced Manhattan hotels, but he cannot get this one girl out of his mind, a beautiful and mysterious blonde (Michelle Williams) whom he met on a subway platform.

In short order, Jonathan learns that he's been played for a fool. Unless a ton of cash gets transferred from one of his clients to a Spanish bank account, blood will be spilled.

And so it goes with "Deception,” as Jonathan falls under the scrutiny of a homicide cop (Lisa Gay Hamilton) and chaos overtakes his life.

Jackman and McGregor seem to be having a lot of fun with these roles (in a "Sleuth” kind of way). Williams is much better than her part requires, and a wide range of cinematic beauties including Charlotte Rampling, Natasha Henstridge and Maggie Q all make cameos as members of Wyatt's club.

But first-time director Marcel Langenegger fails to make "Deception” much more than a competent, sexy potboiler.

If this film had been shot 15 years ago, frame by frame, with Andrew Stevens, Shannon Tweed and Jack Scalia in the starring roles, it might be heating up Cinemax at 1 a.m. tomorrow.

— George Lang

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