Schreie im Wald

How sad and tragic that this terrible movie should be Anthony Perkins' last performance on screen. His body of work was so good in the early days, even prior to PSYCHO. He is wasted in this by appearing in and out of the movie as a stranger you're not quite sure what he is. The men fare better than the women in this. Christopher Rydell, son of director Mark Rydell (ON GOLDEN POND)he gives an interesting performance. D W Moffett (AN EARLY FROST) also is on deck as the boy friend. We never do know what ever happens to him. He sort of disappears along the way. In fact this is most confusing and changes course every few minutes. No need to figure it out. It's pretty predictable. Only salvation is watching the men mentioned earlier in this review. They are always worth watching. Then there's the leading lady, played by Rosanna Arquette. She screams good. But that's about all. Not a fan of hers, she plays the role as I said going around pouting and screaming. Don't wast your pennies on this one.

This is an interesting serial killer movie with an excellent cast - Anthony Perkins, Rosanna Arquette, and one of my favorites, Will Patton.

It's nicely directed with an even pace. It keeps you guessing until the end as to who the serial killer really is, then it comes together. The acting from both the main cast and the supporting cast is very good. There are no serious plot holes, it all makes sense in the end. The psychological profile of the serial killer is realistic.

I see some harsh reviews, but there is really nothing wrong with this movie. I recommend it for anyone who likes crime mystery films. It deserves a better rating.

Rosanna Arquette stars as a children's book author who confronts stalker Anthony Perkins, who believes Arquette holds the key to solving a series of brutal murders in a woodsy town. Overstuffed adaptation of Nicholas Condé's book has a cycle of recurring suspects, requiring Arquette to accuse a different man of murder every few minutes. Perkins, in his final film, has lost his famous guilty twitch; solemn here, and dull, he fades into the background (it's easy to forget Perkins is even in the picture). The piecing-together of the mystery is fun, though it doesn't bear close scrutiny; there's also one of those last-act "killer transformations" that have become a genre cliché (that and the proverbial POV shots as the killer stalks his prey). Which brings up another problem: why do the victims--strong, independent businesswomen--suddenly turn into helpless, whimpering victims when faced with a killer? What point are writers Robert Nathan and Robert Rosenblum trying to make...that women are simply not safe without a man in their lives? Ridiculous. ** from ****

I watched this solely to see Anthony Perkins in his last role. Luckily, Perkins was able to play a character with some psychological depth. Besides Perkins, the other actors are good too (I especially liked the performances of Rosanna Arquette and D. W. Moffett). This film was certainly better than I expected, with a neat mystery and some eerie moments. One scene I particularly enjoyed was a scene of panic where Arquette runs outside into the pouring rain at night. That scene reminded me of Akira Kurosawa's predilection for using extreme weather as a way to heighten the emotions. Perhaps this film isn't a classic, but it is good.

I'm sorry but rosanna overacts and is unbelievable. Somewhat entertaining as a whodunnit but predictable. Thank goodness for Mr Patton and Perkins who at least held up the story somewhat.