Looking for mystery movie recs

[izhilzha]

Okay. This has nothing to do with my current project (I know CSI's structure, and I'm using it), but after my spec is done, the next project is that fandom-based murder mystery I keep talking about. (It's going to have one of those pretty legal disclaimers, you know: "any resemblance to actual events or persons is entirely coincidental." *g

Comments

[jhall1]

Now about TV series? Currently being repeated on TV over here, so in my mind at present, are the 1500 episodes (well it seems like that many) pf "Diagnosis Murder", assuming that the 45 minute length isn't too short for your purposes. I imagine that at least some of those episodes must be available on DVD.

A surprising number of episodes of TNG seem to be mysteries, usually solved by forensic work by Data and/or Geordie La Forge.

Then there's "Murder, She Wrote" and, going back a bit, "The Rockford Files".

[feliciakw]

Oh, if we're going back a bit on the TV scene, Columbo and McMillan and Wife. I don't remember either of those clearly; I just remember my mom and dad loved them.

ETA: They also liked McCloud real well, too. Again, no recollection of the premise, other than mystery or crime drama.

[izhilzha]

We're not going back to TV shows. Did I not just ask for films? TV shows are useless in terms of film structure, imho. And I've seen a ton of them. (Aw, you should watch some Columbo, though; it's great.

[feliciakw]

Did I not just ask for films?

Yes, you did. See my first two entries to your post. Make note that The Dain Curse is a mini-series and therefore probably not what you're looking for.

[whitemartyr]

This book Mike got me called "The Anatomy of Story" by John Truby is really good for storytelling structure in general. May help too.

[whitemartyr]

oh and if you want... try renting/watching some Miss Marple Mysteries. They are awesome and classic and fun.

[izhilzha]

Both of these are good thoughts. I've been thinking about buying Anatomy of Story since you mentioned it, and there's a reason Dame Agatha is the queen of mysteries, so that's a good suggestion too.

[dejla]

Almost any of the Mystery! shows would work. There are two versions of Miss Marple, much better than the Margaret Rutherford versions, lots of the Hercule Poirot, Inspector Lynley, and the Foyle's War series.

Among American films -- well, The Last of Sheila might be a good one. It's got the sardonic edge you could put into a fandom murder.

[dejla]

Okay, skip the Mystery! things.

The Usual Suspects
The Last of Sheila
And Then There Were None
Witness for the Prosecution
Black Tide
The Maltese Falcon
A Slight Case of Murder

I'll go and mull over my collection.

[izhilzha]

*pounces*

*adds to list*

Thank you so much!