sol-
Concerned that her husband might be having an affair, a middle aged woman begins to investigate his suspicious recent behaviour, only to discover a greater conspiracy than she could have ever imagined in this slick thriller starring Goldie Hawn and John Heard. The film is well known as Hawn's first non-comedy movie, though Heard is arguably more impressive, always seeming just a little bit menacing, even if he goes way over-the-top in his final few scenes. Whatever the case, the film's best asset is Thomas Newman's atmospheric music score, which creates a genuine sense of unease at several key points. As for the story at hand, it is not exactly first-rate. Unresolved plot points and gaps in the narrative abound; Hawn also seems to get hold of all the information she needs with unbelievable ease, whether it be a school records lady bending the rules for her or complete strangers conveniently letting her into their home. The film also overplays its hand a little by including a second unexpected deception by her husband late in the piece that only raises unanswered questions about his true motives and the way his mind operates. If one does not focus too much on story specifics though, the film could be considered a decent ride. There are some very effective chase sequences and suspense scenes in which characters are voyeuristically viewed by an unseen intruder. The novelty of having Hawn in a dramatic role cannot be discounted either. This may have not been the best script for her to highlight her potential as a drama actress, but she is certainly convincing.
Davis P
I will say this, Goldie Hawn and John Heard did offer up good performances as the leads. The plot was OK, and the dialogue was pretty good, not anything great, just pretty good. The last about 25-30 minutes was very entertaining and fun, the best part of the whole movie. The middle of the movie did kinda drag on a little, that's why it's not getting a higher review. I do suggest the film as a basic thriller, if you're in need of one at some point, although I do think you could find a better one than this. 6/10 for deceived (1991). Not one of Goldie's best, but definitely not terrible. Oh and one more thing, I did enjoy the actress that played Goldie and John's daughter Mary in the film, I thought she did a great job playing her role.
Scarecrow-88
Rare straight role for Goldie Hawn--no yucking it up here--is a totally serious part, a departure from the rest of her oeuvre. She portrays the happy wife to a husband who dies under supposed tragic circumstances, only for her investigation into his past turning up results she couldn't possibly have prepared for. John Heard is mainly involved in the ending with Hawn doing a lot of the heavy dramatic lifting. This part for Hawn features a rather aching, somber, and frustrated character; learning that your loving husband is a totally completely person, her Adrienne having to come to terms with some harsh realities, the role requires a certain type of disturbed, unsettled, and saddened temperament/response to the developments that transpire during her investigation. Heard's calm and rather ordinary phone call to Hawk, having their daughter in his possession, demanding the jewel necklace, and wanting her not to phone the police (or tell the woman next to her what their conversation's about) proves just how much of a sociopath he really is. Heard does lose it at the end when he must explain to Hawn that he does what is necessary when he has her cornered and seemingly at his mercy. Moody photography is a major plus even if a lot of the Hollywood devices (cat jumping out, pigeons flocking about out the window, the eye peering through the crack of a closet door, the little girl complaining to mommy in horror that a man was in her room) typical in these types of thrillers are used throughout. Doesn't invent the wheel, but Deceived should be of interest to fans of Goldie. The loud sound effects and noisy, obtrusive score, especially at the end when Heard is after Goldie and the necklace, can be a bit overbearing, but I like this change of pace for Hawn, trying a different genre (although, Foul Play was kind of comic thriller), and not relying on her gifted comedy skills must have been a challenge worth taking. Identity theft, so prevalent today, works its way into the investigation revealing Heard for the fraud that he is.
chrystal71061
This movie is a mystery with plenty of twists, but the real star is Goldie Hawn's performance. I find it hard to believe that she has not done more of this type of movie.The major problem I had with this movie was the big fat plot holes, namely how you get a car to flip with a dead guy driving or how a guy that works in town gets away with a second family, or if he was Daniel, then who was fencing the rare Egyptian jewelry, or why didn't she fall down the hole too? Too many leaps of faith are expected of the audience and exactly why I did not rate this movie higher. I did, however, enjoy the "New York" ambiance, the sets and the wardrobe (which was not too embarrassing from the early 90's). Goldie could try another hairstyle though, really, it was a little distracting remembering that it has not changed since her Sock It To Me days. All in all, it was fun to watch and it does jump your heart a few times, just as a good thriller should. Definitely worth watching for Goldie's performance alone.