The January Man

My next Rickman pick has him in a smaller and more comedic role. It is 1989's The January Man.

Kevin Kline stars Nick Starkey, an ex New York police detective who is lured back to the police force by his brother Frank, Harvey Keitel, the police commissioner, to help track down a serial killer. There's some bad blood between the two brothers because Frank is now with Nick's ex, Susan Sarandon.

Nick has a very unconvential, Zen like way of tracking down the killer. He is aided by his artist neighbor Ed, Rickman, and a his new love interest Bernedette, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, who happens to be the Mayor's daughter. The three are under the clock to catch the killer before he strikes again.

I like this movie a lot. Kline is terrific, as always. Actually it has an amazing cast that also includes Danny Aiello and Rod Steiger. Rickman, in only his second role, is really great as Ed. He's incredibly funny and a perfect sidekick for Kline.

This was written by John Patrick Shanley, who has a nice balance of humor and suspense. Shanley is a master at this kind of material.

Sadly it was torn apart by critics and audiences stayed away, but I think it's a lot of fun and a nice showcase for Kline and Rickman.

It's available on dvd.and blu ray.