[Sample - Movie Review] Clue (1985)

1. Opening (The Hook) "Get ready for a mystery packed with laughs, intrigue, and plenty of twists in Clue (1985), directed by Jonathan Lynn. Based on the popular board game, this film takes the concept of a whodunit and turns it into a delightful comedy with a star-studded cast. When six strangers are invited to a lavish mansion for dinner, they soon find themselves entangled in a web of murder, deception, and secrets. As the guests attempt to figure out who killed the host, Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving), they discover that not all is as it seems in this high-stakes game of deception. Full of witty humor, clever twists, and multiple endings, Clue keeps the audience guessing while delivering a murder mystery that’s as funny as it is mysterious." [Background Music: The lively, whimsical score by John Morris complements the film's playful tone, with a mix of suspenseful, comedic, and dramatic melodies that enhance the intrigue.]

2. Synopsis (The Story in Brief) Clue begins with six strangers receiving an invitation to a secluded mansion, where they are introduced to their mysterious host, Mr. Boddy. As the evening unfolds, each guest discovers they are being blackmailed, and the tension escalates when Mr. Boddy is found dead. The guests, along with their enigmatic butler, Wadsworth (Tim Curry), must figure out who among them committed the murder, but things are far from simple. As the characters are forced to confront their secrets, the film leads the audience through a series of increasingly absurd scenarios, each filled with misdirection, red herrings, and multiple possible solutions. With a humorously fast-paced script, Clue combines the classic murder mystery genre with slapstick comedy, keeping viewers on edge with every twist.

[Background Music: The score plays with energetic, comedic cues during the chaotic moments, shifting to more tense and mysterious undertones as the plot thickens.]

3. Character Analysis (Getting to Know the Cast)

Wadsworth (Tim Curry) Tim Curry delivers a standout performance as Wadsworth, the quick-witted and ever-stressed butler who becomes the de facto leader of the investigation. Curry’s portrayal of Wadsworth is full of energy and comedic timing, bringing a sense of order to the otherwise chaotic evening. His increasingly desperate attempts to keep the group together, combined with his sharp intelligence and flair for the dramatic, make him the heart of the film. Curry’s performance provides both humor and a sense of mystery, as Wadsworth becomes a key figure in unraveling the various twists and turns of the plot. His mastery of both physical and verbal comedy is evident, particularly in the iconic scene where he attempts to explain the details of the crime.

Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan) Eileen Brennan plays Mrs. Peacock, the flamboyant and easily flustered socialite who is one of the six dinner guests. Brennan’s portrayal of Mrs. Peacock is a comedic delight, as she balances a mix of hysteria and self-interest, adding to the absurdity of the situation. Mrs. Peacock’s vulnerability and tendency to panic make her an unpredictable character, and Brennan’s ability to switch between dramatic and comedic moments keeps the character engaging. As the investigation unfolds, Mrs. Peacock’s quirks and nervous energy offer moments of levity while also making her a suspect in the murder mystery.

Professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd) Christopher Lloyd plays Professor Plum, a somewhat eccentric and socially awkward academic with a secretive past. Lloyd brings his signature quirky humor to the role, making Professor Plum both a suspect and a source of comic relief. His awkwardness and constant attempts to insert himself into the investigation provide some of the film’s funniest moments, while his mysterious connections to the other characters add layers of intrigue. Lloyd’s performance perfectly balances the comedy and suspense, playing on his character’s intelligence and unpredictability.

Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren) Lesley Ann Warren plays Miss Scarlet, a sultry and seductive woman who is both mysterious and confident. As a woman who seems to know more than she lets on, Warren’s portrayal of Miss Scarlet adds a touch of intrigue and danger to the film. Her sharp wit and charm make her a key figure in the ensemble, and her playful interactions with the other characters create both tension and humor. Miss Scarlet’s flirtations and her evasive nature contribute to the overall sense of mystery, making her a compelling character whose true intentions are unclear throughout much of the story.

Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull) Martin Mull plays Colonel Mustard, a boisterous and somewhat dim-witted military man whose past seems filled with secrets. Mull’s comedic timing and dry delivery provide a humorous contrast to the more frantic or serious characters in the film. Colonel Mustard’s bravado and cluelessness make him a perfect foil for the more intelligent or collected characters, and Mull’s performance brings a level of absurdity to the role. As a suspect, Colonel Mustard’s bumbling nature adds a layer of unpredictability, making his character both charming and comically suspect.

Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn) Madeline Kahn’s portrayal of Mrs. White, the mysterious widow with a dark past, adds an element of eccentricity and deadpan humor to the film. Mrs. White is a character who, despite her somber demeanor, delivers some of the most memorable lines in the film with impeccable comedic timing. Kahn’s performance strikes a perfect balance between humor and menace, as her character’s deadpan delivery and cryptic comments make her a key player in the murder mystery. Her character’s oddball personality and her sharp wit contribute to the film’s playful tone, making her one of the film’s standout characters.

[Background Music: The music highlights each character’s role in the story, using comedic musical cues for their antics and more suspenseful tones as the investigation reveals deeper secrets.]

4. Plot and Theme (Unraveling the Narrative and Its Message) At its heart, Clue is a murder mystery that deconstructs the genre with humor, absurdity, and a series of unexpected twists. The film pays homage to the traditional whodunit by embracing the familiar tropes of the genre—an isolated mansion, a group of suspects, and a series of clues—but it does so with a comedic twist that subverts expectations at every turn. The multiple endings, each presenting a different version of the solution, showcase the film’s playful attitude toward truth and deception.

The film also explores themes of identity, secrets, and morality, as the characters are revealed to have hidden pasts and motivations. Each character’s backstory and their reasons for being in the mansion provide context for their actions, but the humor comes from the fact that these motivations are often exaggerated, ridiculous, or satirical. The blurred lines between what is real and what is imagined are a key part of the narrative, as the audience is invited to question the reliability of both the characters and the clues they uncover.

Another key theme is the role of power and control. Each character in the film is trying to maintain control over the situation, whether it’s through manipulation, deception, or sheer force. The film highlights how each person uses their position and knowledge to either protect themselves or accuse others, creating a game of shifting alliances and rivalries that mirrors the back-and-forth of the investigation.

[Background Music: The music becomes more intense and dramatic during the reveal of the multiple endings, each presenting a different perspective on the truth.]

5. Visuals, Cinematography, Audio, and Music (The Sensory Experience) Visually, Clue embraces the classic look of a vintage mystery, with its dark wood paneling, elegant decor, and dimly lit rooms that create an atmosphere of suspense. The mansion’s design is both grand and oppressive, filled with corridors and secret passages that mirror the film’s labyrinthine plot. Cinematographer Victor J. Kemper uses lighting and shadows effectively to heighten the sense of mystery, with some scenes remaining deliberately dark to add to the film’s comic tension.

The film’s comedic timing is enhanced by sharp editing, which builds anticipation and delivers punchlines with precision. The use of visual gags and quick cuts adds to the film’s slapstick humor, while also allowing the characters to interact in fast-paced, chaotic moments.

The score, composed by John Morris, features playful orchestral music that perfectly complements the film’s tone. The lively music adds to the film’s whimsical feel, heightening the absurdity of the unfolding events. The sound design further enhances the comedic aspects of the film, using exaggerated sound effects and comedic timing to punctuate the farcical nature of the investigation.

[Background Music: The score builds in energy and humor during the multiple endings, with each resolution having its own unique musical theme.]

6. Critique and Conclusion (The Final Word) Clue (1985) is a delightful and thoroughly entertaining murder mystery that manages to be both a parody of the genre and a loving homage to it. The film’s clever use of humor, combined with an ensemble cast that delivers pitch-perfect performances, makes it a standout in the genre of comedic mysteries. The multiple endings and unpredictable twists provide a refreshing and playful take on the whodunit formula, while the humor remains sharp, witty, and timeless.

Rating: 8.5/10 Clue is a smart, fun, and endlessly replayable film that blends mystery, comedy, and absurdity into a genre-defining classic. With its memorable performances and inventive storytelling, it continues to entertain audiences with its unique take on the murder mystery genre.

[Background Music: The final, playful theme plays as the film concludes, leaving the audience with a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment.]

Final Thoughts 

What aspect of Clue (1985) stood out to you the most? Was it the comedic performances, the clever twists, or the multiple endings that kept you guessing? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and if this fun, fast-paced mystery left a lasting impression, be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful film analyses.

[Background Music: A lively, whimsical melody plays as the audience reflects on the film’s humor, mystery, and memorable moments.]

“Is it Mr. Green? Colonel Mustard? Miss Scarlet? Or is it someone else? The mystery remains…”