Blame it on Jaws.
At least that is the pervading idea, that Jaws ushered in the blockbuster summer movie when it was released in 1975.
And I know several mystery writers who use Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel of the same name as a guide during panels and workshops on serial killers and violence.
The reasoning is that great white shark was the ultimate serial killer, coming into a small community and bringing havoc.
As the time of summer movies bears down on us, here are four films that might appeal to mystery fans. Keep in mind, I have not seen any of these yet and am basing my opinion only on what I have read and the trailers I’ve seen.
MANHATTAN NIGHT (May 20): Although it hasn’t gotten a lot of press, I have high hopes for this film starring Adrien Brody as a tabloid writer who gets involved with a murder investigation and a mysterious widow. I place my enthusiasm on the source material—Manhattan Night is based on the novel Manhattan Nocturne by Colin Harrison. Each of Harrison’s novels has been an exercise in gripping storytelling, revolving around the various New York boroughs. His 2008 novel The Finder was my top pick for that year and is still one of my favorites. Manhattan Night also co-stars Yvonne Strahovski, Campbell Scott, and Jennifer Beals.
THE NICE GUYS (May 20): Are you as tired as I am of the endless loop of trailers of this film starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling? Yes, this story about two detectives looking into the case of a missing woman looks amusing. But a trailer of The Nice Guys seems to air on TV every 15 minutes. Gosling and Crowe switch from adversaries to partners when the case becomes more than either expected. It’s set during the 1970s in Los Angeles, so expect a lot of bad hair and awkward outfits. Matt Bomer co-stars as an assassin, so expect some nice eye candy.
THE WTNESS (June 3): The slaying of Kitty Genovese on a Queens sidewalk while her neighbors supposedly watched and did nothing has become the stuff of legend. This tragedy has been pointed out as a prime example of apathy and the don’t-get-involved mentality. And 50 years later this horrific murder is still being debated. The Witness is a documentary in which Genovese’s brother, William, attempts to understand what happened in the early morning hours of March 13, 1964. The crime documentary has received several positive reviews and is likely to be in limited release across the country.
OUR KIND OF TRAITOR (July 1): Based on a John le Carre novel and starring Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris, Our Kind of Traitor will make you think twice about being too friendly to strangers you meet on vacation. That charming man could be a Russian money launderer and you may find yourself doing more than buying a round of drinks.
Yes, there are other thrillers due out this summer, including another Jason Bourne film with the original title Jason Bourne.
But aside from these four films, I am really hoping that the all-female Ghostbusters (due July 15), starring the brilliant Melissa McCarthy, and Absolutely Fabulous (due July 22) don’t disappoint.
Photo: Ryan Goslin and Russell Crowe in The Nice Guys. Photo/Warner Bros.
