Deception

NEW YORK (CNS) -- "Deception" (20th Century Fox) is a dull, sometimes obvious thriller set in the world of New York's business elite.

Life holds little excitement for lonely, uptight accountant Jonathan (Ewan McGregor) as he roams from one high-powered firm's offices to the next, auditing their books. Until, that is, the night he meets charismatic corporate lawyer Wyatt (Hugh Jackman, also a producer) who soon has him smoking marijuana.

The two become tennis and lunch buddies. Shortly before Wyatt leaves for London on business they, seemingly by accident, pocket each other's cell phones. After getting some mysterious calls on his new friend's phone, Jonathan discovers that Wyatt is a member of "the List," a sex club that offers "intimacy without intricacy."

Jonathan becomes an enthusiastic participant. But one woman he meets, whom he knows only as "S" (Michelle Williams), is so captivating that the two are soon breaking the rules by sharing information about themselves and bonding emotionally.

In the midst of this idyll, Jonathan returns to their hotel room to discover bloodstains but no "S." The next moment he's knocked unconscious. Once he revives, he begins to discover that all this has been an elaborate blackmail scheme.

Director Marcel Langenegger's feature debut, imbued with a nocturnal, relentlessly claustrophobic ambience, almost seems to glamorize Jonathan's anonymous encounters before endorsing his more substantial relationship. Mark Bomback's dialogue is more pretentious than clever.

Given these shortcomings, it's perhaps not surprising that -- despite the presence of superstars Jackman and McGregor -- the studio's clearly conflicted publicity department planned no critics' screenings, then only held some last-minute restricted ones.

The film contains graphic nonmarital sexual activity, rear and upper-female nudity, scanty costuming, much rough and crude and some crass and profane language, sexual discussion, and drug use. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops