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Review

In the twilight of his career, Newman demonstrates in this impassionate though intriguing noir mystery that charisma, talent and experience can often compensate for a convoluted story, and that even in his early 70s, it's hard to take your eyes off those baby blues. In a laid-back, compelling portrayal, Newman plays Harry Ross, a retired cop and private eye who is very nearly one of life's great losers. An alcoholic who's estranged from his family, with no home of his own, and relegated to servants quarters and duties while staying with his movie star friends (Hackman, Sarandon), Harry finds himself smack in the middle of a dime novel mystery when a simple delivery job leads to a series of murders. Director Benton gives Twilight the look and feel of a 1940s noir, all dark and shadowy and mysterious. But style can't overcome a "B" story line and less-than-swift pacing. His cast, however, is marvelous.