Deathtrap
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Movie Reviews of Deathtrap
Movie Review: Best Movie EVER
Summary: 5 Stars
It has so many twists... you never know what will happen next!Movie Review: A Hit To Die For
Summary: 4 Stars
When DEATHTRAP was first released, the poster--reproduced on the cover of this DVD--offered a graphic akin to a Rubik's Cube. It is an appropriate image: originally written for the stage by Ira Levin, who authored such memorable works as ROSEMARY'S BABY and THE STEPFORD WIVES, the play was one of Broadway's most famous twisters, and under Sidney Lumet's direction it translates to the screen extremely well.DEATHTRAP is one of those films that it is very difficult to discuss, for to do so in any detail gives away the very plot for which it is famous. But the opening premise is extremely clever: Sidney Bruhl (Michael Caine) is the famous author of mystery plays, but these days he seems to have lost his touch. After a particularly brutal opening night, an old student named Clifford Anderson (Christopher Reeve) sends him a script for a play he has written. It is called "Deathtrap," and Sidney recognizes it as a surefire hit. Just the sort of hit that would revive his career... indeed, a hit to die for. And when Clifford visits to discuss the play, events suddenly begin to twist in the most unexpected manner possible.
Like Anthony Shaffer's equally twisty SLEUTH, DEATHTRAP is really a story more at home on the stage than the screen--to reach full power it needs the immediacy that a live performance offers. Still, under the expert guidance of director Sidney Lumet, it makes a more-than-respectable showing on the screen. Much of this is due to the cast, which is remarkably fine. Michael Caine gives a truly brilliant performance, Dyan Cannon is funny and endearing as Sidney's relentlessly anxious wife, and Christopher Reeve gives what might be the single finest performance in his regrettably short acting career. If you can't see it in a first-rate theatrical production, this will more than do until one comes along.
Unfortunately, the DVD does not offer the film in its original ratio--it's pan and scan here, and that's a clear strike against the DVD so far as I'm concerned. And sadly, although this is an ideal subject for them, there are no bonuses of any kind. But even so it is DEATHTRAP, and it is DEATHTRAP very expertly done, the perfect movie to curl up with on a dark and stormy night. Keep the lights on!
--GFT (Amazon Reviewer)--
Movie Review: It's no SLEUTH, but it ain't bad...
Summary: 4 Stars
I first saw DEATHTRAP on television well over ten years ago and it has stuck with me ever since. I finally purchased the DVD to give it another go and came away almost as pleased.Caine gives his usual wonderful performance as a playwright who has run out of hits and Reeve is better than I've ever seen him, before or since, as an aspiring playwright seeking Caine's guidance. Cannon is irritating as Caine's wife, but she's supposed to be, so I do not feel that her performance weakens the piece at all.
The Plot: Reeve approaches Caine with his first attempt at a play, seeking his idol's criticism. Caine finds the play to be incredible, a surefire hit, and, desperate for such a hit for himself, begins scheming (as only Michael Caine can scheme) ways to get Reeve out of the picture and claim the play, DEATHTRAP, as his own. From this point the picture starts on a rollercoaster ride that doesn't let up until the end. Fiction and reality cross and blur again and again making for a delightfully dark comedic thriller.
My only real criticism of DEATHTRAP is its similarity to SLEUTH, another great twisted thriller also starring Michael Caine. While both films on their own are incredible, fans of SLEUTH may find DEATHTRAP a bit less satisfying - there simply aren't as many surprises. But this is certainly not a reason to avoid this film, as it is a genuine treasure.
The DVD has a minimum of features - no trailer, just a chapter search selection (which is more than SLEUTH had!) and, unfortunately, the film is presented full-screen as opposed to widescreen. This did not bother me as the entire film has a claustrophobic feel to it as the action generally occurs in close quarters. Still, if the film was originally widescreen, I'd rather see the director's original vision. And speaking of direction, Lumet was marvelous as usual. After all, in the film itself, DEATHTRAP is described as a play "so good, even a gifted director couldn't hurt it." And at the bargain price this is one DVD you should snatch up right away.
Movie Review: Delicious Dialogue for this Murder Mystery
Summary: 4 Stars
All I can say is: DEATHTRAP is a steal at this price. When I saw it selling for less than $10, I decided to check it out. I had heard a lot about the film and, in particular, that it held up to the likes of SLEUTH. Of course, I was also very familiar with Sidney Lumet's work and was eager to see how he adapted this stage play for the big screen. He has succeeded in spades. While I personally enjoy the storyline and charm of SLEUTH more, DEATHTRAP was equally entertaining. While many stage plays suffer when directors try to import the witty dialogue into a world of fast-moving sets and drama, Lumet decides to set back and let his actors earn their paycheck. The entire film takes place on one set (besides a minor change that I cannot mention in any detail because it would ruin the story) and Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve deliver captivating performances. While some commentators have faulted DEATHTRAP for its lack of scenery and on the grounds that it "feels like a play," I would argue that the film actually succeeds because of these elements. Of course it "feels like a play." It is a play. Had Lumet tried to film this murder mystery in a more "cinematic" way, the movie would have sacrificed the delicious dialogue and performances it has to offer.
Like any good mystery play, DEATHTRAP offers an endless series of twists and turns-while some are predictable, particularly for an experienced audience, they never cease to entertain and the film manages to retain a sense of believability. In summary, DEATHTRAP is a blast to watch and I wholeheartedly recommend it. At this price, you cannot go wrong.
Movie Review: Masterful Michael Caine
Summary: 4 Stars
It's difficult to review a mystery without spoiling the plot for viewers who haven't already seen it, but this one has so many twists and turns I can safely outline the set-up without ruining the fun.
Michael Caine plays a playwright of fading talents who is despondent after yet another failed opening night. Dyan Cannon plays the archetypal nervous wife, trying to console and encourage him without making him feel worse about his successive failures.
Caine's character receives a brilliant manuscript in the mail from a former seminar student (Christopher Reeve) who is completely unknown to the world and Caine begins to fantasize about stealing the play and producing it as his own. And then the fun ensues....
The best thing about this film is the brilliance of Michael Caine. His sense of timing and comic delivery are on display here and while I didn't expect to enjoy the film for a variety of reasons, his character had me laughing constantly.
The worst thing about this film-and the reason the price is so low-is that it's only presented in Pan & Scan. The film deserves a full DVD treatment, complete with special features and the widescreen format.