Director Brian de Palma's crime thriller is full of the expected Hitchcockian moments, from the murder viewed through a window (REAR WINDOW) to the hero's claustrophobia (a basic equivalent of VERTIGO). Obviously it's not as classic as its various predecessors, but there are enough twists and turns in the tale to keep one watching. However, you need to have your brain firmly in gear to do so or you may find yourself getting a headache.
The acting is all average, sometimes good, sometimes quite bad, but on the whole okay, and the film benefits from a respectable cast, some of whom (notably Melanie Griffith and Dennis Franz) have gone on to greater stardom. Although the film is best when working on the mystery aspects (the erotic moments are not handled too well), there is one excellent, striking set piece.
The moment occurs when the young woman is about to be murdered with a huge electric drill, and the hero desperately races to her house to try and save her, only to keep getting stalled, while the murderer also keeps being held up. The tension, as to whether the murderer or hero will strike first, is sustained remarkably well through the quarter of an hour long moment and it literally keeps you on the edge of your seat until the final outcome. This moment highlights an above average thriller, which veers too far on the silly side to be wholly enjoyable, but still contains plenty of nice photography and sinister shots to raise its value.
The acting is all average, sometimes good, sometimes quite bad, but on the whole okay, and the film benefits from a respectable cast, some of whom (notably Melanie Griffith and Dennis Franz) have gone on to greater stardom. Although the film is best when working on the mystery aspects (the erotic moments are not handled too well), there is one excellent, striking set piece.
The moment occurs when the young woman is about to be murdered with a huge electric drill, and the hero desperately races to her house to try and save her, only to keep getting stalled, while the murderer also keeps being held up. The tension, as to whether the murderer or hero will strike first, is sustained remarkably well through the quarter of an hour long moment and it literally keeps you on the edge of your seat until the final outcome. This moment highlights an above average thriller, which veers too far on the silly side to be wholly enjoyable, but still contains plenty of nice photography and sinister shots to raise its value.