Having read Ira Levin's novel, and having seen the original film, and now this remake, one can only conclude this was a misguided project that doesn't add anything to the basic premise, or expand on it. Director James Dearden, who adapted the material for the screen, made a tactical error in making the Carlsson sisters as identical twins. Then, whoever cast Sean Young in the pivotal role of Ellen/Dorothy needs to have his head examined. Ms. Young, who showed some promise when she started appearing in movies, is totally unconvincing in this movie.
The only reason for watching the film is Matt Dillon, who is always an interesting presence on the screen. His Jonathan Corliss, the disturbed young man who resents what life had in store for him, is made to look bad from the beginning. Since Mr. Dearden starts the film at the most crucial point of the story, doesn't give the audience a cause as to why Jonathan acts the way he does. The other tactical error happens when Jonathan, who is not Jay, arrives with Dorothy by car and eliminates the young man who holds the key to the mystery and is going to show Dorothy the year book in which Corliss appears. We don't believe for a moment he was physically able to do the deed. Ditto what happens with Patricia Farren doesn't make sense at all.
Mr. Dearden asks a lot from the viewer and he is not too subtle about the way he presents the material. Max Von Sydow is totally wasted and Diane Ladd has only a couple of scenes.
Watch the 1956 original directed by Gerd Oswald!
The only reason for watching the film is Matt Dillon, who is always an interesting presence on the screen. His Jonathan Corliss, the disturbed young man who resents what life had in store for him, is made to look bad from the beginning. Since Mr. Dearden starts the film at the most crucial point of the story, doesn't give the audience a cause as to why Jonathan acts the way he does. The other tactical error happens when Jonathan, who is not Jay, arrives with Dorothy by car and eliminates the young man who holds the key to the mystery and is going to show Dorothy the year book in which Corliss appears. We don't believe for a moment he was physically able to do the deed. Ditto what happens with Patricia Farren doesn't make sense at all.
Mr. Dearden asks a lot from the viewer and he is not too subtle about the way he presents the material. Max Von Sydow is totally wasted and Diane Ladd has only a couple of scenes.
Watch the 1956 original directed by Gerd Oswald!