Ever-engaging Michael Sarrazin, an actor whose star shone brightly in the late 60s and well into the 70s, is the title character here. Peter Proud is a college professor with a hottie girlfriend (Cornelia Sharpe). His life seems to be great, but he's currently being plagued by recurring nightmares about a woman (Margot Kidder) whacking a swimming man (Stuart Thomas) fatally with a paddle. While having these nightmares, he will actually speak in the murder victims' voice; it would seem that he is an honest-to-God reincarnation of the dead man. Seeking answers, and an end to his dreams, he seeks out their locales in reality. He eventually encounters the now much older Kidder as well as her now-grown daughter (Jennifer O'Neill).
While "The Reincarnation of Peter Proud" misses its chance for true greatness by holding no real surprises, it plays out in a very entertaining, compelling way. It's kind of like a supernatural soap opera, with an array of interesting characters and a passing nod to parapsychology themes and study of dreaming individuals. It includes many quick cuts to flashback moments, that allow people in the back story to get fleshed out. As we come to see, Kidder is notably more sympathetic than her victim, who was NOT a good man in life. It would seem, however, that his spirit is hellbent on vengeance.
This is a good, solid film with elements of both melodrama and thriller, and a number of capable performances. Sarrazin is appealing through it all, wanting to do the right thing although he can't deny his attraction to O'Neill. She is similarly enchanting, playing the kind of gal a guy could easily fall in love with. Kidder does well in a true character role, although the makeup department doesn't go to great lengths to "age" her; in real life, she was actually *younger* than O'Neill by a couple of months. Lending fine support are Paul Hecht as Peters' concerned new friend, Thomas as the studly but rotten murder victim, Norman Burton as a psychiatrist, Debralee Scott as helpful kid Suzy, Steve Franken as Peters' doctor & tennis partner, and Addison Powell as Ken from the tennis club.
While the ending does fall short of being completely satisfying, it's an interesting move on the part of director J. Lee Thompson and company to conclude in such an abrupt manner. While there are light and charming moments, as well as some humour, there is a somber feel to the proceedings overall.
Scripted by Max Ehrlich, based on his novel.
Seven out of 10.
While "The Reincarnation of Peter Proud" misses its chance for true greatness by holding no real surprises, it plays out in a very entertaining, compelling way. It's kind of like a supernatural soap opera, with an array of interesting characters and a passing nod to parapsychology themes and study of dreaming individuals. It includes many quick cuts to flashback moments, that allow people in the back story to get fleshed out. As we come to see, Kidder is notably more sympathetic than her victim, who was NOT a good man in life. It would seem, however, that his spirit is hellbent on vengeance.
This is a good, solid film with elements of both melodrama and thriller, and a number of capable performances. Sarrazin is appealing through it all, wanting to do the right thing although he can't deny his attraction to O'Neill. She is similarly enchanting, playing the kind of gal a guy could easily fall in love with. Kidder does well in a true character role, although the makeup department doesn't go to great lengths to "age" her; in real life, she was actually *younger* than O'Neill by a couple of months. Lending fine support are Paul Hecht as Peters' concerned new friend, Thomas as the studly but rotten murder victim, Norman Burton as a psychiatrist, Debralee Scott as helpful kid Suzy, Steve Franken as Peters' doctor & tennis partner, and Addison Powell as Ken from the tennis club.
While the ending does fall short of being completely satisfying, it's an interesting move on the part of director J. Lee Thompson and company to conclude in such an abrupt manner. While there are light and charming moments, as well as some humour, there is a somber feel to the proceedings overall.
Scripted by Max Ehrlich, based on his novel.
Seven out of 10.