A Beira da Loucura

Anthony Perkins gives a bizarre and unhinged performance in this gothic style adaption of the Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde story complete with elements from Jack the Ripper. This time it's a cocaine-like substance which causes the good doctor to metamorph into the uncontrollable Jack Hyde. When Perkins is transformed into the savage beast he decides to make slashing the throats of prostitutes a hobby. Intriguing take on the over-played Jekyll and Hyde story with some twists and turns thrown in to keep the viewer interested. Also an excellent performance from Glynis Barber as Mrs.Jekyll. Atmospheric settings, weird situations, and over the top performances make this one an eye opener for anyone looking for something a little different. And when it comes to the role of Perkins, Edge of Sanity is a more than appropriate title.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde meet Jack the Ripper in this sleazy foreign-produced film. After being plagued by visions of a sexual childhood trauma, Dr. Henry Jekyll becomes addicted to cocaine and transforms into an 80's punker (Jack "The Ripper" Hyde) with an insatiable lust for blood, hookers, and bare asses. Surprisingly tasteless, graphic, and shocking--especially for an Anthony Perkins movie! This is one of those flicks that fall into the category of being so bad it's good; so if you can get ahold it, I'd recommend it.

In Victorian London Anthony Perkins plays shy but brilliant Dr. Henry Jekyll. He has a loving wife (Glynis Barber), a beautiful home and is a respected man. One night he accidentally ingests some vapors from alcohol mixed with cocaine and becomes evil, vicious, sex-obsessed Mr. Hyde. Also around this time Jack the Ripper is killing prostitutes. Is it Perkins...or someone else?

This came and went VERY quickly in 1988. It was cut to ribbons by the MPAA and the critics called it a sick, unpleasant piece of trash with Perkins at his worst. While I agree it's no classic it's not the disaster I heard it was.

It's a very sleazy movie and makes no apologies for it (which is sort of refreshing). It's full of female nudity and even full frontal male (which was cut out of the R rated version). It is unpleasant with graphic stabbings but it's shot on elaborate, beautiful, expressionistic (check out Perkins' lab) sets. It's obvious a lot of money went into this. The script is also quite interesting getting into Jekyll's mind about what's going on.

Good acting all around helps. Ben Cole (looking like he came from "A Clockwork Orange") plays a male prostitute and is good. Barber is excellent as Jekyll's wife. All the ladies playing prostitutes are actually pretty good actresses--they're beautiful and have no trouble taking off their clothes. However Perkins holds this movie together. He does overact as Hyde but in a good way. When he's on screen you can't take your eyes off him.

The MGM DVD released a few years ago is the unrated version, not the R one as is advertised---not that I'm complaining. So it is graphic and unpleasant but also very interesting and well-made. Worth seeing if you're not easily offended. A 7.

I am not really surprised that "Edge of Sanity" has only a few reviews.This film is pretty tough to find,which is no bad thing.Anthony Perkins plays here Dr Jekyll/Jack Hyde,who as a Hyde murders and mutilates hookers in Jack the Ripper style.The acting from the supporting cast is diabolical,only Perkins proving effective,mainly due to his cadaverous features and tormented demeanor.The idea of a split personality with a particular sexual dysfunction also works with this material.Unfortunately the killings are mostly off-screen,but still "Edge of Sanity" has a pretty disturbing and sleazy quality to it.Some scenes are downright weird and rather unpleasant,so be prepared.Check it out,if you're curious.6 out of 10.

Edge Of Sanity is a dark thriller/horror movie and is an interesting and sordid, sleazy take on the Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde story with nods to Jack The Ripper spliced in as well. Anthony Perkins is up for the task and delivers a solid and very creepy performance in this film. His experiments with cocaine, bring to life evil persona Mr. Hyde. Mr. Hyde has a lot fun serial fornicating and slashing the throats of beautiful hookers across Victorian era London. The story is not always cohesive in the way it is told, but it more than makes up for it with stunning cinematography and stunning actresses that have no problem disrobing for this film. The film has a nice score and some Gothic atmosphere as well. As Mr. Hyde, Anthony Perkins looks like he would blend in easily at a Sisters Of Mercy or Bauhaus show. The supporting cast is good, but the visuals and Anthony Perkins performance are what most commands the audience's attention. The film here is pretty grim and violent as well, this is not recommended for the squeemish. Edge Of Sanity is a depraved, unhinged and highly erotic, if that sounds good to you, I doubt this flick will let you down.