Watch Clean Slate

Clean Slate is a comedy-cum-mystery movie that explores the life of a private eye who suffers from a rare case of short-term memory loss. The movie hit the screens in 1994, directed by Mick Jackson, and scripted by Robert King. The screenplay follows a day in the life of the protagonist, Maurice Pogue, played by Dana Carvey, a detective working in Los Angeles.

Maurice, a former police officer, quits his job after he loses his memory in a failed attempt to save his partner in a drug bust. However, he takes up private investigation as his profession utilizing his extraordinary deduction skills mostly relying on interviews with the parties involved. Maurice’s story takes an interesting spin when he lands a case to investigate the murder of a woman who was found dead in a hotel room. As he sets out to uncover the truth, Maurice discovers that his case has connections to his past, and as the day goes by, he keeps getting flashbacks from his past that reveal more of his personal life that he never realized.

Along the way, Maurice encounters unforgettable characters who help him and yet hinder him from solving the case such as his secretary, Sarah Novak, portrayed by Valeria Golino, and his hypnotist, Dr. Dallas, played by James Earl Jones. Sarah, Maurice's secretary, has a special place in his life, and he feels a connection to her. However, he is unaware of their past relationship since he can’t remember anything beyond a day. On the other hand, Dr. Dallas helps Maurice to embrace his forgetfulness by hypnotizing him to remember things like pin number but they also leads to some comical mishaps.

The movie progresses at a leisurely pace, slowly unravelling the threads of Maurice’s case without rushing into things. The film's climax is both suspenseful and engaging, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout. For people who enjoy the thrill of the unknowable, the film has lots of twists and turns that will captivate and surprise them.

However, the movie is unconventional in its genre. It smoothly blends elements of romance, comedy, and thrill with an intelligent plot. The humor is understated, and scenes with Dr. Dallas' hypnotism are hilarious. The romance between Maurice and Sarah is gentle, and their chemistry is palpable.

From a technical aspect, Clean Slate is a masterclass in cinematography with expert camera work that should please discerning film fans. The colors and tones of the movie add to its uniqueness, and the score harmonizes with the movie's scenes, making it all the more enjoyable.

The cast gives an excellent performance, each actor bringing depth and charisma to their respective roles. Dana Carvey delivers a standout performance, bringing Maurice to life with humor and sincerity. Valeria Golino performs admirably as the secretary, giving a touch of gravitas to her role. James Earl Jones commanded the screen with his undeniable screen presence in his limited screen time.

In summary, Clean Slate is a remarkable film that should not be missed. Its smart screenplay, excellent cinematography, outstanding performances, and a suitable score make it a joy to watch. With some memorable humor, subtle romance, and a thrilling plot, the movie has the right mix to create unforgettable viewing experience.