In Kenneth Branagh’s sleek, but ultimately empty screen version of Anthony Shaffer’s clever, but ultimately empty play, Michael Caine and Jude Law do verbal and physical battle in a minimalist techno-mansion bathed in various shades of Technicolor blue, green, and red. As the wealthy husband who has been spurned, Caine steps into the role originally played on screen in 1972 by Laurence Olivier, while Law reworks Caine’s role. Both actors chomp into their roles with vigor and enthusiasm, but the film is little more than a few clever tricks and a lot of bloated verbosity. Harold Pinter’s screenplay has neatly streamlined Schaffer’s play, which certainly helps it move along quicker, but doesn’t give it any more weight. (DVD)