Framed (1992) – Geoffrey Sax.

The urbanely macrobiotic, sinisterly scheming grass Eddie (Timothy Dalton), secretly absconded to Spain, by unfortunate happenstance, finds himself eagerly collared by ambitious young detective Laurence (David Morrisey), who becomes darkly embroiled in Eddie's slick machinations. With an exceptionally gripping text by maestro Lynda La Plante, plus a starry cast of film & telly luminaries, La Plante's suspenseful 90s crime drama remains a worthy watch for thriller fans. This is a demonstrative example of how a smart, sharply-plotted screenplay is given an additional jolt of electricity by an able director, and a talented cast of gifted actors. While I'd like to think of myself as being a modestly savvy fellow, I must hereby confess that I would have been easily taken in by handsome chess master Eddie's coercive patter, and ruthlessly beguiling charm. Framed features strong language, brief nudity, and altogether gratuitous references to the alimentary merits of multi-vitamins, wholefoods, and fibre-rich foodstuffs. Initially broadcast on the telly as a mini-series, Framed plays well as a feature-length thriller. The more seasoned smut-seekers may care to note that exotic Iberian bombshell Penelope Cruz sadly keeps her trollies on, yet her sizzling sex appeal remains tantalizingly unmuted.