All'improvviso uno sconosciuto

A young woman trying to prove herself in the world of window dressing. Her very erotic imagination leads to great success and recognition in her career. Unfortunately, one of those observing her windows is an obsessed stalker. Through twists and turns this psychological thriller will keep one on the edge of his seat and possibly even aroused.

It is hardly believable for most of its running time, but at least it keeps you watching. It begins when Lane sort of pushes her way into a job as a window dresser. This was the second film of '87 to feature one following the Andrew McCarthy comedy "Mannequin" (this one is even replete with a flamboyantly gay co-worker, too). But, ooh boy, is this a much different movie. Lane's gutsy and provocative displays get her noticed in good and bad ways, one of which is by a perverted x-ray technician, played by Woods. First we get the typical stalking; she's followed home; he steals her mail; harrassing phone calls. But at one point the perv scales the wall of her apartment/loft, takes a bath, and does something rather gross to one of her nighties. All the while talks to the police are mostly kept off-screen an d Lane keeps putting up with everything. Which, again, is one of the many implausible elements of the film. Only in movieland would the victim accept the challenge and begin playing cat and mouse games with the wacko. Plus the MANY unintentional laughs, like Woods dancing around her place in a bathtowel, him doing a Spiderman impression by climbing down the side of her building on a rope so he can break in, and Lane cursing her mirror while she repeatedly spits on it. The ending is a downer, too, kind of a letdown. Though different, it's mostly ineffective. And what the hell happened to Smith's character? All of a sudden he's dropped and never mentioned again (I'm sure he didn't care considering that love scene he got to do with Lane, hubba hubba). I must say the performances are there big time. Lane, aside from being absolutely gorgeous, which is saying nothing of her eye-popping (among other things, hehe) topless shot, really conveys her loss of freedom. At times the stuff she spouts is a little over the top, but is delivered nice enough. And if Woods is indeed James Woods brother, talent is definitely in the bloodline. His characters' only mis-step is not being more agressive with Lane. Early on she talks suggestive to Smith on the phone, appearing to be open sexually about herself (which is also indicated by her window displays). But Woods approach is more scary, which just makes her pissed. This was one of only a few good movies from the quickly defunct Scotti Bros. before they withered away and is too bad. Though pretty much unknown, it's a decent little thriller.

Diane Lane is a window dresser whose life is turned upside down by an obsessed stalker. The suspense in this dark tale rises to a fever pitch over a series of increasingly threatening incidents. The cinematography is stark and, though in color, has the feel of earlier film noir suspense.

I find this movie every few years and watch it again. Something about it is haunting. Diane Lane makes the whole movie. Her New York loft is a crucial piece of the plot - almost another character. The males characters are fine but she's divine.

Diane Lane finally gets a solid part in a pretty good picture; so often, Lane is stuck in unsuitable parts in rather lousy movies ("The Cotton Club", "Streets Of Fire"), so much so that her career nearly evaporated after a promising start. She's first-rate here playing big-city career girl dressing windows for a department store, intriguing a married man who becomes obsessed with her. Surprisingly subtle B-movie overcomes the minimal budget with smart writing and direction, good performances by all in the cast. Lane's converted warehouse digs uncomfortably reminds one of "Flashdance", but the revenge-angle in the second-half is clever and well-done; nicely attuned climax too, making its point without going over-the-top. **1/2 from ****