On B List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Body Double (1984)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
4/05, 7/06, 9/12
7/06:
A hybrid between Vertigo and Rear Window, Body Double, notwithstanding the slow pace, is a beautifully
made neo-noir thriller.
Responsible for the movie to get going, Craig Wasson and Gregg Henry give great performances. However, Melanie
Griffith is artificial and thus wrong for the role.
What makes it compelling is the subject of voyeurism. There's the thrill of being in Craig Wasson's shoes
as he explores the paradox happening in a rich lady's life. As a result, the plot thickens for a long time, but there are a few
dead giveaways that have made me question the reality of the situation. Hence, the ending doesn't come to me as
a surprise. Nevertheless, I've enjoyed the movie.
All in all, Brian De Palma proves in Body Double that he's a graduate from the Alfred Hitchcock School of Filmmaking.
9/12:
Although manipulative and unrealistic, Body Double is well-directed for a mystery thriller neo-noir that
explores the world of voyeurism.
Brian De Palma is well known for paying homage (read that as "stealing ideas") to Hitchcock pictures. Hence, Body Double
is Rear Window with some elements from Psycho. It
actually picks up where Dressed to Kill left off despite having been made later.
Craig Wasson is excellent by playing an everyman character with flaws. The most interesting aspect is the convergence of overcoming the
claustrophobia and the revelation of the mystery. Although a good actress, Melanie Griffith's performance is poor and
artificial. She can do better than that.
All in all, Body Double is a big treat for Brian De Palma fans.