Second Sight

Sharp, somber, and intelligent, Second Sight (1999) features a cruel irony at its center: Detective Chief Inspector Ross Tanner (Clive Owen) is a driven cop who believes in evidence he can see for himself, but when a rare disease attacks his eyes--resulting in blindness and hallucinations--Tanner hides his problem and reluctantly relies on a partner (Claire Skinner) to provide the data he needs to draw upon his seasoned investigative skills. Here, the duo maintain their secret agreement (he'll share credit with her in exchange for visual aid) while looking into the brutal beating death of a 19-year-old man. Skinner and Owen carry the drama exceptionally well, and the familiar supporting cast, including Stuart Wilson and Selina Boyack, are superb. Appropriately enough, the disc features descriptive audio (main soundtrack plus added narration) for the visually-impaired. Highly recommended. (T. Keogh)