Blood Link

This film doesn't come off entirely what it sets off to do. Moriarty in two brother roles, shows us what a fine actor he is. It's good Moriarty versus Moriarty, where good Moriarty's life, is becoming a living hell, thanks to his Siamese twin brother, who's fortunately a psychotic, who's committed a sting of brutal murders, one not so brutal, involving punching an ex boxing star (lovable veteran actor Cameron Mitchell). Bad Moriarty is parading as good Moriarty doctor, which he isn't as it isn't helping his good brother's chances, when the cops get hold of him. When growing up, our psychotic one wasn't given the same love and attention, as the good one, hence, part of his reasons for becoming a knife thrashing lunatic. His good brother has it all, successful, likable, and a really nice piece of female a..e The ain't half bad film offers some nice servings of nudity and some nice slappings of venesection (gore) and Moriarty, who's acting presence is always something viewable, especially after seeing in Q. The problems with the film, overall, I felt, were there were a few stops, a little dullness, and not enough story poured into what is otherwise, an interesting film, that really doesn't really fall above the ranks of average.

Two twin brothers, one good and one evil, share a Blood Link which allows them both to see through the other brothers eyes. Problem is that one of them is a serial killer and the good brother will have to try and stop his sibling from murdering innocent people in Germany.

We meet Craig who starts having visions and nightmares of a person who looks just like himself killing random women. He feels satisfaction and relief each time he sees these things happening, evening feeling as though he committed the crimes himself. Craig starts investigating his upbringing and the fact that he has an apparent siamese twin out there named Keith. This all leads him to West Germany where he travels to in an attempt to find his brother and stop his murderous ways. Will he be able to accomplish this, or will Keith turn the tables on him and switch places in the eyes of the police?

Blood Link is a thriller that has a very interest concept with the two identical/siamese twin brothers, one good and one evil. The idea that they can see each others actions through each other's eyes is an interesting one which worked well throughout the movie. Craig sees every evil action and kill that Keith commits. The flaws with the movie lies with the character development and motive of the killer Keith. We get that there was a very bad childhood upbringing, but the film never gives us his real drive to kill all of the people he knocks off. In the end, the murders feel very shallow and we are left just with two twin brothers battling it out for no good reason.

Michael Moriarty does a fine job as the lead character Craig and Keith. He's believable as both the psychotic killer and the man who is so confused as to what is happening in his dreams. I thought the real standout was Penelope Milford as Craig's girlfriend Julie. She had some fun scenes with the good brother, and highly emotional and terrifying scenes with the evil one.

Blood Link was a below average watch for me. It started out well, but dragged on quite a bit with a story that never seemed to be fully imagined on screen by the director.

4/10

Michael Moriarty does a good job of playing identical, separated Siamese twins, who share a telepathic link. Craig is a doctor practising in North America whilst Keith is a psychopathic killer, murdering in Berlin. Craig acts upon his visions and travels to Germany to try and stop the killing spree. Although a fan of Euro horror I had not heard of Blood Link until I saw a cheap copy for sale on VHS. The cover alone sold it to me. Moriarty is good in both roles. Cameron Mitchell shows up as an out of condition, over the hill fighter. And most of the actresses end up naked. There is a touch of sleaziness about Blood Link. It also has a reasonable body count, and although there is a lot of dialogue throughout it's running time it is peppered with kills and nudity to keep it interesting. Now, that artwork for the cover looks very familiar - New York Ripper!!??

Blood Link is a German and Italian co-production; although it was clearly made for an American audience. The film has got itself in with the 'Giallo' style that had it's heyday in Italy during the seventies; although the reason for that is probably merely down to the fact that it's directed by Alberto De Martino; as despite some Giallo elements, I wouldn't call this film a Giallo on the whole. Blood Link is more of a psychological thriller that takes in themes relating to psychology and a psychic link between two people. Craig Mannings and his girlfriend are doctors trying to create a new way of exploring pain and dreams. Craig decides to test the new methods on himself but ends up finding a way into his presumed dead ex-Siamese twin brother's conscience. He discovers that his brother is living in Hamburg and murdering people; but this doesn't stop him from going to Hamburg and tracking him down. When he arrives in Hamburg, the killings continue until the inevitable meeting between the two brothers.

Michael Moriarty has had an interesting career; the highlight of which for me is his role in Larry Cohen's excellent 'The Stuff'. His performance here is not quite as over the top, but it is rather more impressive. Moriarty is not an obvious choice for the lead role in a film like this; but he fits into it excellently and makes both characters he plays very believable. The film is interesting throughout and several good ideas are explored; not least the idea of a psychic link between two brothers that used to share a physical link, but there's also some good ideas relating to the sexuality of the 'bad' twin. There's a few murders scenes; none of them particularly bloody or over the top but good enough and fitting within the movie. Cameron Mitchell's aging wrestler's character has a highlight scene in that respect. The film manages to stay interesting for the duration and it all boils down to a suitably dark and compelling conclusion. The premise of the movie is similar to David Cronenberg's later Dead Ringers; and while the latter is the better film, there's lots to like here and Blood Link is certainly worth a look.

"Blood Link" is a suspenseful and pretty scary thriller.

The plot: Craig Manning (Moriarty) is a doctor. But for some nights now he's been having horrific visions of murders. It turns out he has a Siamese brother (also played by Moriarty) who lives in Hamburg. Craig tracks him down to unravel the mystery.

"Blood Link" is worth watching for the usual excellent performance by Moriarty. He puts a lot of energy and character into the role. The direction by De Martino is fast-paced and the music by Ennio Morricone is always worth a listen.

In the end: If you can find it, "Blood Link" is an interesting horror movie worth watching.

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