Eyes of a Stranger (1981)
|
Tracy is trying to grow up and be an ordinary teenager. But the events of the last few years haunt her to this day. A brutal attack and rape from one really mean dude has shocked her to the core. Despite nothing being physically wrong with her, she is unable to speak or hear. Her sister’s lack of complete care may have led Tracy down this road and believe me, Jane will never let this happen again. But as the “Miami Strangler” prowls through the streets of this beach town, Jane is using her news-anchor post as a bully pulpit to combat crime. She feels all the women in the city need to suspect every man and call for help. With the police overloaded with calls, she decides to investigate herself. After a few weird events involving her neighbor Stanley Herbert, she is fairly sure he is the serial killer. Unfortunately her detective work may destroy her relationship with a city prosecutor, as well as put Tracy once again in danger. Beware of whom you taunt, they may play that game better than you do.
Overall: All I could think of during this film is how typically 70’s-ish it is. Fairly dramatic and suspenseful but often lacks any sort of coherent storyline. The film lets you know who the killer is early on and never lets you know why he did it or how he gets away with it. Plus, Jane spends so much of the film saying she’s doing all she can to protect Tracy and spends ¾ of the movie not with her. Interesting role for Jennifer Jason Leigh as Tracy – at age 19 no less. Also note that when they go to the movies, the film playing on the screen is “Dawn of the Dead.” The film reeks of a strong woman’s version of “The Postman Rings Twice” and “He Knows Your Alone.” A good film to check out Jennifer’s acting, especially playing deaf and mute but otherwise you spend the entire film wondering why the women keep answering the phone when the Strangler calls to taunt them. Oh yeah, have enough rape in this film? Comparison: Death Wish meets Agatha Christie’s Man in the Brown Suit |
Links to other sites at The Sinning Room
Horror Films A-K Review Page
Horror Films Review Page
