A bizarre and unique psychological thriller, with some knockout scenes.
Considered by many to be a masterpiece of psychological horror, Don't look now is undoubtedly a well made movie. It is a slice of 70's paranoia thriller on the level of 'The Conversation' and 'Taxi Driver'. It creates an incredible atmosphere and uses a top-notch location (Venice) in a unique and subtle way. Any filmmaker who wishes to master the art of forming an eerie atmosphere should defiantly check this film out.
The film's main actors are all superb. Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland work absolute magic every second they are on screen, their emotional weight and passion is something truly staggering. They are a huge part of why the film is so effective. The supporting cast is also solid, however may often seem lacking when compared to the two powerhouses at the centre of the film.
The film has some of the best sound-mixing around, creating a great sense of panic for the audience and making every scene as disorienting as a bad nightmare. The paranoid sense of dread is emphasised by the bleak and cold setting. Venice feels hostile and angry, it works as a driving force throughout the film and puts the audience all the more on edge.
The film can feel convoluted and jumbled at times in it's plotting. Characters will lack relevance regardless of screen time, and plotpoints will seemingly go nowhere. This, along with the sometimes lacklustre pace are by far the film's largest problems for me.
However the film's opening and closing scenes are fantastic. Emotional, cerebral and horrifying, both in drastically different ways. These scenes are where the film shines brightest for sure.
Overall, whilst clunky and a little dated in it's execution, Don't look now is a stunning horror/thriller and shows many truly inspired elements and sequences.
The film's main actors are all superb. Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland work absolute magic every second they are on screen, their emotional weight and passion is something truly staggering. They are a huge part of why the film is so effective. The supporting cast is also solid, however may often seem lacking when compared to the two powerhouses at the centre of the film.
The film has some of the best sound-mixing around, creating a great sense of panic for the audience and making every scene as disorienting as a bad nightmare. The paranoid sense of dread is emphasised by the bleak and cold setting. Venice feels hostile and angry, it works as a driving force throughout the film and puts the audience all the more on edge.
The film can feel convoluted and jumbled at times in it's plotting. Characters will lack relevance regardless of screen time, and plotpoints will seemingly go nowhere. This, along with the sometimes lacklustre pace are by far the film's largest problems for me.
However the film's opening and closing scenes are fantastic. Emotional, cerebral and horrifying, both in drastically different ways. These scenes are where the film shines brightest for sure.
Overall, whilst clunky and a little dated in it's execution, Don't look now is a stunning horror/thriller and shows many truly inspired elements and sequences.
Originally posted 31/10/14 on IMDB.com, as part of HALLOWEEN HORROR REVIEWS 2014
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