Oooh, I always like a good psychological piece that combines sexual repression and deceit. I had never heard of this film before, but I?m sure glad that I got the chance to review it. I think it?s excellent! One aspect of 60?s/70?s cinema is that it produced some absolute classics in this style of film. Thanks, Canada! There?s a certain ?cheap and nasty? quality that characterizes these films, but what this vibe adds to the perceived authenticity is priceless. Claustrophobic, dark, brooding, disturbed ? I LOVE all this stuff about the unpleasant side of human nature. It?s also a wonderful, understated performance by Sandy Dennis as Frances Austen. She?s quiet, prudish, intelligent, thoughtful ? but just a little unhinged, in that outwardly respectable anglo-saxon way! Yet I had sympathy for her. She?s not ?evil? in that easily ?hateable? way. In fact, comparing Stephen King?s ?Misery? and this film (for example) would be interesting, as the female characters have many traits in common, yet the subtlety of character in this film produces a far more chilling effect, in my view. The outcome is very different to ?Misery?, of course ? WAY less Hollywood, thankfully. I had heard of Ms Dennis before in my film travels, here and there, and I believe she?s picked some kooky roles in her acting career. I expect this is one of her better pieces. Even her LOOK is perfect for this kind of film.

I?m charmed by the simplicity of this story. I could definitely imagine this as a stage play ? the action mostly takes place in her apartment, presumably making it easy to stage. This in itself is an intense experience. Robert Altman (as an up-and-coming director) has created a fascinating film that really sucks you into the shadowy, reclusive world of Frances Austen. Her ?victim?, simply called ?the boy? in the credits, played by Michael Burns, is as much in her control as I was watching this film ? although he doesn?t think he is. For the most part, he thinks he?s ?got it made? by tricking her into thinking he is a mute. It builds to a climax, as these films DO, and it?s perfectly weird. Anyone who likes low-budget creepers should find this enthralling. I don?t want to give anything more away. Highly recommended.

THE EXTRAS

There are no extras other than the basic chapter selection. I think the film is good enough to stand on its own, so it?s no big deal to me. What?s more, it makes the film easier for me to review!

CONCLUSION

This is a classic 60?s film in the style of a psychological thriller. I was constantly wondering where this film was going. Creepy and weird, with dark visuals and rainy Canadian weather, it?s the story of Frances Austen (Sandy Dennis), a shy type who befriends a young man who appears to be homeless, and mute. What does she have in store for him besides offering him a friendly face and a warm place to dry off? You?ll have to see it to believe it. It?s a brilliant performance by Dennis, and the mood is serious and subtle. No extras at all, and the picture quality is not A1, but if you like a superior psychological suspense drama with that low-budget look, this has to be one of the best. Highly recommended.