JESSE STONE: SEA CHANGE

US, 2007, 88 minutes, Colour.
Tom Selleck, Kathy Baker, Kohl Sudduth, Rebecca Pidgeon, Sean Young, Mika Boorem, Stephen Mc Hattie, William Sadler, James Gammon.
Directed by Robert Harmon.

Sea Change is the fourth in the Jesse Stone series, based on characters from Robert Parker’s novels. The initial film, Stone Cold, established Tom Selleck as a Los Angeles detective, separated from his wife, hard-drinking, finding himself as the police chief of the Massachusetts town, Paradise.

As in each film, there are several subplots. One focus in this film is the alleged rape of a teenage girl by a wealthy yachtsman. The other is the investigation of a fifteen-year-old murder case, a bank robbery. The two themes are wound together quite effectively.

Tom Selleck has made the role of Jesse Stone his own, laconic, direct, alcoholic, seeking the advice of a psychological, a former policeman with a drinking problem, played by William Devane. Kathy Baker is always effective as the assistant to the chief as is Kohl Sudduth continuing his role as Luther ‘Suitcase’ Simpson. Sean Young has a guest role in the rape subplot. Rebecca Pidgeon is at the centre of the murder investigation. William Sadler continues his presence as Gino Fish, a Boston gangster. Stephen Mc Hattie also continues his role as the Massachusetts police chief, Captain Healy.

The film has a great deal of atmosphere, especially of the town of Paradise, the coast.

1. The popularity of the series? The focus on Jesse Stone? His life and background? The police team? The investigations, the murder, the rape accusations? Stone and his methods, at home with his dog, drinking, connection with his ex-wife?

2. Paradise, the visuals, the coast? The musical score?

3. The police work, the role of the chief, Suitcase and his contribution, Rose and her interactions with Jesse? The processes? The importance of the town council, their critique of Stone? Threats to him? Their concern about tourism? Crime reputation?

4. The title, the rape story, Cathleen? Her relationship with her father? The yacht? Her character, her lies, the video, her giving consent, the owner of the yacht? The exploitation? Her wanting revenge? The discussions with Jesse? His confrontation with the owner? The presence of Sybil, the glamour, the wealth?

5. The cold case, the bank, the victim, the security guard and his memories, feelings of guilt, the interrogations? Jesse and the documents? His visit to Leeann? Her mother and her physical and mental state? Leeann and her story, in California, returning home to look after her mother? The attraction? The date and the discussion? Jesse and the investigations, finding that Leeann had lied? The truth? The role of Leeann, her sister at the bank, the setup, getting the money? Her sister being shot by the security guard? Changing her clothes, burying the body? The cover-up? The money spent on her mother? Her assuming her sister’s identity? The scenes at the cemetery, digging up the body, the investigation, the forensics?

6. Jesse, his attraction towards Leeann, the decision, going to the bank, going to Gino Fish?

7. Jesse and his wife, the continued phone calls, her friend? His not accepting the divorce? Drinking at night? The companionship of the dog?

8. Doctor Dix, his character, his background, helping Jesse? Their sessions together?

9. Jesse Stone, the complexity, his working at Paradise? The discussions with Captain Healy? With Gino Fish? Molly Crane, the past loyalties, her pregnancy?

10. The elements combining to offer a satisfying psychological drama as well as a police investigation thriller?