Directed by: Sidney Lumet
Cast: Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve, Dyan Cannon, Irene Worth, Henry Jones
Runtime: 116 min
Rating: PG
Trailer

Based on Ira Levin’s hugely successful Broadway play, Deathtrap is a clever, claustrophobic thriller that radiates with sharp acting, humor and suspense. This is arguably Michael Caine’s best film; same goes for Christopher Reeve (not counting Superman). The acting is at once subtle and over-the-top which mirrors the film itself. Sidney Lumet (Serpico, Network), wisely directs without an overbearing presence; allowing his camera to observe the tension between the characters. That is not to say that certain elements aren’t stylized, they are, but never at the expense of the story. At first, the plot seems straightforward, even conventional to most thrillers. Fledging playwright, Sidney Bruhl (Caine), is holed up in his country estate after receiving horrible reviews of his most recent play. Having had a string of flops to his name, this once prosperous and successful writer is spiraling into irrelevance, and more importantly to Sidney - financial dependence on his wife – wonderfully played by Dyan Cannon. Serendipitously, he receives a rough draft manuscript of a new thriller by one of his former students – Clifford Anderson (Reeve), who we’re told hasn’t shown it to anyone else and wants to have Sidney’s expert advice. To the horror of his wife, Sidney invites the young writer to their Connecticut home to ostensibly have him killed; allowing Sidney to pass off the play as his own and resurrect his career in the process. To say anymore on the plot would ruin the pleasure of watching this cat-and-mouse puzzle unfold. Needless to say after a string of twists and slight-of-hand trickery this carefully constructed film emerges as a darkly funny psychological battle of wits. This underrated gem channels classic Hitchcock and biting satire with one of the most convoluted plots you can image - easily making it a classic.

Richard X
© Cinephile Magazine, 2005

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