The Singing Detective (2003)

REVIEW
A well-intentioned adaptation of the classic Dennis Potter-scripted BBC miniseries, this American version just doesn't cut it, despite a strong lead performance and a screenplay by Potter himself. Downey portrays Dan Dark, a pulp mystery novelist spending time in a hospital receiving treatment for a terrible skin disease. He ruminates about his childhood, his relationships and his fiction, which — in his psychologically tender state — begin to intertwine in his mind. While the film is watchable enough, it never approaches the level of sophistication or power of the masterful original, and ends up feeling like a neutered Cliffs Notes version — one which is borderline incoherent. Even the musical numbers (so good — and so relevant — in the original) don't work, save a too-short dance between Downey and Gibson that is kind of touching. Fans of the original will wish they were viewing it instead, and newcomers most likely won't be able to follow this one — which leaves Downey's terrific turn the only reason to watch.