Starring Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts and and Patrick Stewart Directed by Richard Donner Rated R, with strong violence, and profanity Running time 135 minutes Jack gives this film a rating of 8 out of 10

(Aug. 8, 1997) -- The reasons behind the deaths of JFK and Elvis remain cloaked, there's an ulterior motive behind flouride in our water, and credit card companies are plotting to take over our financial lives. They're just a few of the conspiracy theories that abound in modern America.

But what if some seemingly paranoid theory has a basis in fact? And what if the guy who promotes the theory finds himself in deadly peril? That's what happens to nutty cab driver Jerry Fletcher, a virtual encyclopedia of wacky ideas who somehow touches a nerve that could get him killed.

An especially animated Mel Gibson plays Fletcher in Conspiracy Theory, a complex but engrossing thriller from director Richard Donner. Julia Roberts co-stars as Alice, a justice department lawyer who is the object of Fletcher's unrequitted affections -- and maybe much more.

In this season of simplistic action -- with direct, linear plots -- the multilevel complications of Conspiracy Theory are as welcome as they are challenging. And though the plot by screenwriter Brian Helgeland lets out a lot of string, it seems to successfully tie together the many loose ends of the story.

As the film opens, Jerry is driving his cab and spouting various theories to his startled passengers. He insists earthquakes are triggered by special NASA satellites, the Vatican is corrupt, etc., etc. The quick-cut montage aptly reflects Fletcher's hypertense, scatterbrained personality. (The gray-haired first passenger, by the way, is director Donner in a cameo.)

Jerry drops in for one of his frequent visits to the New York office of the Justice Department, where he plays his regular game of trying to get by the guards so he can visit Alice. She's a busy and bright attorney who clearly thinks Jerry is nuts, but also finds him curiously fascinating and charmingly vulnerable. She's at least willing to listen to a few of his strange ideas before sending him on his way.

Conspiracy Theory ultimately reveals, though, that there are reasons Jerry is schizophrenic and paranoid; and that a basic, frightening truth runs through the middle of his wacked-out fantasies -- and that truth ties Alice to him in surprising ways.

The man behind the secret (which, of course, I won't reveal) is Dr. Jonas, a stern, enigmatic government psychiatrist who is trying to corral Jerry. He's played with ominous mystery and firm authority by Patrick Stewart of Star Trek fame.

The plot of Conspiracy Theory is filled with surprises and unexpected turns -- and the same thing can be said about its style.

For the first half-hour, viewers may think they're in the midst of a demented comedy, with Gibson snapping off oddball theories and joke lines in the most rapid monologues since Geoffrey Rush won his Oscar for Shine. But after Jerry is abducted and tortured and the suspense tightened, filmgoers will realize they're not in a comedy anymore.

In fact, the closest predecessor to Conspiracy Theory is the 1962 espionage classic, The Manchurian Candidate, (which is briefly referenced through dialogue in the new film). Certainly, Donner's film is a touch too disjointed and flamboyant to earn a spot on a hallowed shelf with The Manchurian Candidate, but his film is a noble attempt that's well worth your time.

Gibson delivers one of his best performances as Jerry; he finds ways to make a difficult, abrasive character likable and vulnerable. We have to understand why the Julia Roberts character would give him the time of day -- and Gibson makes it seem possible.

Though clearly in support, Roberts also excels. She's the audience surrogate, guiding us through Jerry's off-kilter paranoid world, and she successfully journeys from skeptical and bemused to concerned and caring.

Special kudos also go to production designer Paul Sylbert and cinematographer John Schwartzman. Working with Donner, they've created a world of shadows, rich dark colors, shiny reflections, oddball angles and utterly invigorating visuals. From the highly original, reflected-neon opening credits to Jerry's claustrophobic apartment, the look of Conspiracy Theory deserves Oscar consideration.