Brit Comic Brutally Mocked for Pathetically Limp Attempt at Playing a Psycho in ‘Malice’ Opposite David Duchovny
The story follows Adam as he insinuates himself into the Tanner household, headed by venture capitalist Jamie, played by Duchovny, and fashion designer Nat, portrayed by award-winning Dutch actress Carice Van Houten, 49.
From luxurious Greek villas to sleek London homes, Adam executes a melodramatic revenge plot involving poisoned nannies, sabotaged reputations, and conveniently planted pet snakes and animal poison.
But audiences say the tension collapses because Whitehall simply cannot sell the unhinged mastermind behind the schemes.
A production source said: “Viewers aren’t buying him as a psycho. It’s like watching a stand-up comic read cue cards in a haunted house.”
Duchovny has spoken warmly about why he took the role, declaring most of his motivation was filming in luxury locations.
The actor said: “Well, I’d be lying if I said coming to Greece wasn’t part of the reason because I’ve never been here, and it’s figured prominently in my thinking for my entire life.”
He explained the demanding shooting schedule allowed little sightseeing, but he planned to return. Duchovny’s relaxed enthusiasm for the Greek sunshine has only fueled complaints neither he nor Whitehall appears fully invested in the psychological depth the genre demands.
But viewers argue that while the older actor still retains enough gravitas to coast through the material, Whitehall “just looks lost and clueless about what to do,” as one commentator put it.
