You know from the off that this a Serious Work of Art when the credit 'written for the cinema by Michael Papas' pops up on the screen. Further seriousness is signaled by a series of artily composed and lighted sex scenes featuring teenage Richard (Peter Duncan) and woman who really should know better Lisa (Lea Dregorn). Alas, the arrival home of hubby James (Terence Morgan) throws a spanner in the works for young Richard, who soon - and unsurprisingly - falls victim to the unhappy (and very sweaty) cuckold's machinations. Despite the suggestive title, this is no exploitation flick: The LIfetaker is more reminiscent of a Peter Shaffer play than an Andy Milligan joint. It takes some getting used to, and Papas tries too hard to add clever cinematic touches to what is really more of a chamber piece, but for a completely unknown and forgotten film it's not bad. A digital brush-up would doubtless burnish its non-existent reputation.
2 Reviews
Great beginning, then plodding bore
peacefullamb-127 August 2001
I must take a moment at the beginning of this review to say, truthfully, Lea Dregorn is one of the prettiest actresses this reviewer has seen. That said, let's go on to the film making which is superb for the first half of the video. The stylish photography is unleashed with warm lighting, great cutting (montage we used to call the thing) and I was really concerned for the characters which were spoiled rotten to the core. I believed that this trist which Lisa (Dregorn) was involved in was her way of getting even with her husband and poor Richard (Peter Duncan) was one of the luckiest and saddest teens all at the same time. His vigor was more than type casting allowed. I enjoyed the happiness on the screen as I am hope you will, too. This unabashed reviewer recommends you see the film because of the unique way James (Terence Morgan) deals with his competitor not that it spare my giving this effort a six. Only that it qualifies as 'unforgettable.' Happy watching.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
