The Commissioner

Running time: N/A

George Cluizer told the disturbing story of a kidnapped wife in his film, The Vanishing. With The Commissioner, the Dutch director presents a taut thriller of high-power murder and political intrigue. A unified European Economic Community isn't just about how to market the euro-dollar. It's about how do businesses in each of the individual countries do business equitably for the good of the entire European population. And as the Brittish Commissioner, John Hurt is resentful that he has to represent the dull and boring needs of British industry. How wrong he is. Commissioner Morton (Hurt) finds himself in the midst of a corporate conspiracy, brought to light by a scientist on the "inside" with an agenda of his own. The scientist, played to perfection by Armin Mueller-Stahl (Shine), reveals documents to Morton that seem to confirm their worst fears. But as Morton comes to learn, "facts arenÕt always the truth." Jeopardizing his political position, his marriage, even his life, Morton reluctantly realizes that he must find the truth. Sluizer does an excellent job directing an international cast in The Commissioner, set in Brussels. Joining an already outstanding cast is Alice Krige (Ghost Story) and the beautiful Spanish actress, Rosana Pastor. To Sluizer, "the unification of Europe provides a very timely setting - the more we are united, the more we will be separated." --Jeffrey Vargas