Director Robert Benton is a director who has my number. I've loved every film he's ever written or directed, from undeniable classics like "Bonnie & Cylde" to smaller films like "Bad Company" (the 1972 western, not the Chris Rock movie) or even imperfect misfires like his Hitchcock homage "Still of the Night" are still enjoyable. With "Twilight" (the throwback detective film, not the sparking vampire romance), Benton along with co-writer Richard Russo have made a love letter to detective films of of the 50s and 60s. Paul Newman plays a bagman type of character who takes care of dirty jobs for rich actor friend/employers, Susan Sarandon and Gene Hackman. The film opens with Newman taking Sarandon and Hackman's daughter, Reese Witherspoon, back from Mexico, unwillingly, where she's shacked up with a sleazy boyfriend, Liev Schreiber. From there, like many detective stories, it starts with a simple task of dropping off some blackmail money, but leads down a trail of murder, double crosses, and most interestingly the opening up of old wounds. The past looms large around all of the characters in this film, from Newman's ex-partner, Stockard Channing, to old cop buddy, James Garner (which is a bit like Harper and Jim Rockford teaming up, which is awesome!), to other supporting roles by Giancarlo Esposito, Margo Martindale, John Spencer, M. Emmet Walsh, Clint Howard, and Jack Wallace. Overall, I'm not sure this film will appeal to those less familiar with 50s and 60s detective films like "Kiss Me Deadly," "Harper" or "Marlow" but for those who are fans of these films, "Twilight" is an absolute treat.

These excellent actors did what they could with the script which is what brings the rating down. I like film noir, Susan Sarandon, Paul Newman and Gene Hackman. Excellent supporting roles from Stockard Channing, James Garner, Reese Witherspoon (showing more than she does now) and Liev Shriber.POSSIBLE SPOILER: A aging private eye (Newman) has some dirty work to do for Hackman. In doing this, he uncovers a long held secret and not so nice things about Hackman and Sarandon. While not the most original of plots, watching these film legends is indeed a trip down memory lane of the Bogarts, Becalls et al.And how interesting was it that Stockard Channing and John Spencer (of West Wing fame) are teamed up here? Good solid film noir. Recommended despite dialog flaws.

Private detective and a retired ex-cop Harry Ross lives with two wealthy actors, Jack Ames and his wife Catherine.Jack has a cancer and may be dying soon.Harry has a thing with his wife.They have a 17 -year old daughter Mel, who is having some good times with a guy named Jeff Willis.In the beginning we see Harry getting Mel back home.But Jeff causes some more trouble to Harry later.Then his big case is to solve a 20- year old case involving the disappearance of Catherine's ex-husband.Harry's old cop friend has done, as we find out, some occasional errands for Jack and Catherine.Robert Benton's Twilight is a nice Neo Noir from 1998.The terrific Paul Newman and his charisma carries a big part of this movie.His performance of Harry Ross is great.And some other veteran actors are there along with Paul to safe this movie from mediocrity.Gene Hackman portrays the old actor with cancer.James Garner is the friend turned enemy Raymond Hope.Susan Sarandon is real classy as Catherine Ames.It's no wonder Reese Witherspoon is left in the shadows of these performers with more experience.Stockard Channing is in the movie portraying Lt. Verna Hollander.Giancarlo Esposito plays Reuben Escobar, who gets nowhere near Harry Ross as a detective.Liev Schreiber is the no good Jeff Willis.Margo Martindale plays Gloria Lamar.M. Emmett Walsh is seen as Lester Ivar.And Clint Howard is seen as EMS Worker.Elmer Bernstein is behind the music.There's pretty much of good stuff in this movie, like when Harry Ross finds out about his friend's, Raymond Hope's crime, and shoots him before he gets a chance.It's nice to see these old guys in action.Without these great people this would be a much worse movie.

Paul Newman, Susan Sarandon, Gene Hackman, Stockard Channing and James Garner star in "Twilight," a 1998 film directed by Robert Benton, who co-wrote the script. Newman plays Harry Ross, an ex-cop turned P.I. who is staying with friends, a movie star Catherine Ames (Sarandon) and her dying actor husband Jack (Hackman). At one time, he retrieved their 17-year-old daughter (Reese Witherspoon) from a tryst in Mexico.Catherine was married before, to an actor named Billy, who has long believed to have been lost at sea. There have always been rumblings, however, that Billy was murdered. When Jack asks Harry to deliver an envelope to a woman named Gloria Lamar, Harry suspects blackmail. He gets more than he bargained for."Twilight" has the noirish feel of a '40s film, right down to the Channing character being named Verna. The name Gloria Lamar is certainly an homage to the '40s as well. It also has three actors inextricably linked with PIs - Newman, Hackman, and Garner.With all of that, the low key "Twilight" is really style over substance. Its pace is lethargic, and the director seemed more interested in setting up striking images - such as Sarandon kneeling on the ground at her ranch, Newman watching Garner in a mirror, etc., than the actual story. The story lacks urgency.All of the acting is very good, with Newman at 73 still handsome, still sexy, and still able to play a tough guy.Worth seeing for the cast and atmosphere.