Movie Review: Still Of The Night (1982)

Genre: Suspense Thriller  

Director: Robert Benton  

Starring: Meryl Streep, Roy Scheider, Jessica Tandy  

Running Time: 93 minutes  

Synopsis: In Manhattan, psychiatrist Dr. Sam Rice (Roy Scheider) investigates the murder of his long-term client George Bynum (Josef Sommer), an art auction house manager. Sam is intrigued by George's alluring mistress and co-worker Brooke Reynolds (Meryl Streep), who appears distraught but may also be hiding a secret. Sam consults with his mother Grace (Jessica Tandy), also a therapist, and recalls conversations from his sessions with George. He starts to fall in love with Brooke, but also becomes a murder target.

What Works Well: Director and co-writer Robert Benton crafts a passable homage to Alfred Hitchcock, packed with references to classics like Vertigo (a falling death), The Birds (an attack by a bird, and co-starring Jessica Tandy), North By Northwest (a critical auction scene), Spellbound (an elaborate dream sequence), and Rear Window (a voyeuristic view into a neighbouring building). Meryl Streep wraps fragility within mystery as an alluring icy blonde, feeding Sam's doubts on whether Brooke should be embraced or avoided. Scenes of suspense mix with plot revelations to maintain momentum within a brisk running time.

What Does Not Work As Well: The continuous Hitchcock references threaten an outbreak of unintended satire, and the resolution, once revealed, is constipated and less than satisfying. Jessica Tandy is underused, and the 17 year age difference between Scheider and Streep erodes chemistry from their jagged romance. 

Key Quote:

Grace: We're probably dealing with a woman who on the surface seems childlike and innocent, but underneath is capable of extreme violence.



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