Mortelle séduction

An extremely silly "thriller". First of all, the Dereck character in real life would have gotten arrested for a number of offensives he commits. (He wouldn't have gotten serious sentences, but he would at least been arrested.) Second, the plot is really thin - see how many times and ways the filmmakers pad out the movie, including, but not limited to people walking around slowly from point A to B, Fairchild undressing, Fairchild showering or bathing, Fairchild in a hot tub, Fairchild driving around, etc. etc. Third, Dereck doesn't really become creepy or frightening until near the end of the movie - most of the movie, he acts like a confused little boy.

However, credit to the crew who lit and photographed the movie. Their work is definitely above average. Pity that the other material of THE SEDUCTION doesn't deserve it.

Some people may snicker at this film, but back in the heady days of 1982 we just weren't as sophisticated about the celebrity stalker phenomenon as we are today. We didn't have to be, it was a more gracious and civilized time to live and, I might add, a golden era for television.

But dark days were just around the corner and those of us in the public eye owe the lovely Ms. Fairchild quite a debt for her eye-opening work on this film. I myself found it particularly enlightening when she demonstrated the dangers of being stalked while showering, swimming nude or taking a bubble bath while stroking one's silky thighs.

I'd also like to say that though some philistines may have nominated Colleen Camp for a Golden Raspberry award, I thought she was fantastic in her role, though we could have seen more of her.

THE SEDUCTION (1982)

I am so happy they decided to restore this retro, schlocky gem that I might have never seen. It stars a fierce and gorgeous Morgan Fairchild as a tv news personality who finds herself stalked by a sexy, obsessive stalker played by a hunky Andrew Stevens. It's pretty by the numbers but it's a fun horroresque, erotic thriller that really delivers. Not to spoil anything but basically she just reaches the point where she refuses to be the victim and fights back. It's pretty damn satisfying.

Budget: $3m Box Office: $11.4m

7.5/10

After an erotic, sinuous credits-sequence with a shadowy woman gliding through the waters of a swimming pool, we get mired in straight-faced, B-movie hell. Morgan Fairchild, looking unsure and as stiff as her hairdo, plays a TV news anchorwoman who attracts a stalker. Truly mines the depths of drive-in cliches--and dispatches with one character in such a ridiculous fashion it may have invented a new cliche--"The Seduction" is just half-undressed tripe. Too bad, it had the possibilities of being a juicy, nasty little thriller with soft-core edges. There's nothing edgy about Fairchild's presence: she's as slick as lip gloss and about as permanent. * from ****

Long before the days of anti stalking laws and before it was a crime just to even look at a woman if she suspected fear, this film "The Seduction" shed light on the issue of stalking bringing it to the headlines. As in the early 80's when the film was made most states had yet to impose stalking laws, as the victims were put thru a lot of torment just as the Fairchild character was in this film. Yet thru the years with attractive stars, newscasters, and sports sideline reporters being the victims of stalkers the issue has came to the forefront and the laws against stalking are broad and tough. Mostly the well known and attractive are targets and this film showcased that well.

"The Seduction" is one underrated early 80's thriller with plenty of suspense and erotic drama. Set in L.A. anchorwoman Jamie Douglas(the beautiful and attractive Morgan Fairchild)is at the top of her game with cover girl looks, a beautiful California hills home, and a top rated news show along with a tough guy lover Brandon(Michael Sarrazin). Yet add one big negative and that's Jamie has a strange and obsessed fan a crazed and lonely admirer named Derek(B movie legend Andrew Stevens). Right away when Jamie says no to Derek's romantic offer, he becomes off the chain in his obsession one by one it's the strange phone calls, letters, flowers, to the eventual following of Jamie to work, the mall and even her own home. Derek's snapshots of Jamie's most private and personal moments are at an all time high as this obsessed guy is now a regular pepping tom! Yet the police can't assist as in these times before the anti stalking laws were written this was a laugh, so revenge and stoppage must come from Jamie! Overall this film was a joy to watch for it's suspense and erotic scenes proving that many like Derek become obsessed with a beautiful attractive lady. And these obsessions can take a turn for the worst, and this film in my opinion shed light on the issue of stalking as it probably helped push for strict laws and tougher guidelines. Overall this is one film not to miss.