Redefines the concept of "mind games"....
Wow! What an unusual and oftentimes disturbing film this is with excellent performances all around from Perkins, Bronson, and Ireland in this tale about a twisted neurologist (Perkins)whose wife's infidelity prompts him to manipulate an amenesiac (Bronson), into killing his wife and her lover.
Perkins is well-cast in this role as the doctor who takes Bronson both into his care and confidence later managing to convince him that Ireland is his wife and is having an affair with a French journalist. An unusual role for Bronson, typically regulated to B pictures and action roles, this film showcases his tremendous range where the director has successfully cast him against type. In this case, the victim.
Like "Lola" with Susan George filmed a year earlier and directed by Richard Donner, Bronson played a 38 year old author of "adult literature" who marries the 16 year old Susan George--a stretch for an actor of mostly B action pictures like "Death Wish" and "The Evil That Men Do."
This film shot on the southern coast of England, as did "Lola," captures another facet of this actor's gifts. This would be one of many pictures where he would collaborate with his wife, Jill Ireland.
Perkins is superb as the disturbed neurologist who finds solace in the opening bars of Dvorak's "New World Symphony" and toy puzzles. Perkins always brings a neurotic intensity to any role, and this is no exception. The ending is one that is shocking as well as unexpected.
The quality of this DVD is excellent for a film over 30 years old. The transfers from the 16mm print are remarkably clean, and the audio is remastered to Dolby standards. Beware of cheaper versions of this DVD that look like they were taken from a VHS tape.
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