Deceiver

For two cops questioning an unusual suspect in the murder of a prostitute, the truth proves elusive. Tim Roth is his brilliant psycho self as James Wayland, a wealthy, alcoholic epileptic (you don't see too many of those on the screen) who coyly manipulates his interrogators Kennesaw (Michael Rooker) and Braxton (Chris Penn). What begins as an intensely claustrophobic psychological drama unravels in increasingly tiresome mind games and pull-the-rug-out revelations until, finally, the real mystery lies in trying to figure out what induced Renee Zellweger (Jerry Maguire) to accept the thankless role of the ill-fated prostitute. Equally ill-served are Rosanna Arquette as Kennesaw's possibly unfaithful wife and former Oscar-winner Ellen Burstyn as a garishly costumed bookie named the Mook, to whom Braxton is dangerously in debt. Not recommended. (K. Lee Benson)