Notebook Reviews: THE RAZOR’S EDGE

John Byrum – 1984

A passion project for star (and co-writer) Bill Murray, The Razor’s Edge is an adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham’s 1944 novel of the same name. John Byrum’s film is a disappointing melodrama that lacks any great characterisation and focus. A large chunk of story and character development seems to have been left on the  cutting room floor and it feels that a lot of the impact has been lost. 

The Razor’s Edge only really begins to come alive in the last hour, but by then it’s too little too late. Even Bill Murray seems to have lost some of his magic here. It’s average – with the odd moment of greatness shining through.