Amazon.com essential video: Fresh from his huge success with the beloved Kramer vs. Kramer, writer-director Robert Benton chose to make a 180-degree turn with this frosty thriller. Roy Scheider plays a Manhattan psychologist, Sam Rice, who is dragged into a murder investigation when one of his patients is killed. The prime suspect is played by Meryl Streep, then at the height of her stardom (the film was released within a week of Streep's triumphant Sophie's Choice in 1982). Rice understandably lets his basic instincts take over and falls for this brisk, blond mystery woman, though he can't help wondering whether she will kiss him or kill him. The movie may be chilly, but it's well executed, with all-cool style and Hitchcockian angles. Benton gets good work from an expert supporting cast, including Jessica Tandy as Rice's mother, who's also a shrink. --Robert Horton
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Very Atmospheric Thriller
This is a good thriller with lots of creepy touches. Roy Scheider is a recently divorced Manhattan psychiatrist. One of his patients is murdered and both the police and the victim's beautiful girlfriend ... Read More
Rating: - Full of Contrivances
Meryl Streep never fails to impress--she's a great actress--however, in this movie her great talent is truly wasted. The story, as it plays out, is full of plot holes, unbelievables, cheap gimmiks, and false ... Read More
Rating: - An Excellent Mystery
One of the best hommages to Alfred Hitchcock around, but it also stands on its own as a super mystery. The cast is great. The entire production is elegant, smooth and quietly dream-like. Warner Bros. owns ... Read More
Rating: - The Hitchcock Touch
This is a terrific little suspense thriller that's just waiting for rediscovery on DVD. Director Robert Benton, fresh from his triumph with KRAMER VS. KRAMER, turned his attention to that most popular pastime ... Read More
Rating: - Intelligent, mesmerizing mystery
I saw this several years ago and noticed it was on a late movie recently. This time I was more struck by the quality of the work than the first time. It seems that almost every aspect of this film reeks with ... Read More
- Very Atmospheric Thriller
- Full of Contrivances
- An Excellent Mystery