High Anxiety
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Movie Reviews of High Anxiety
Movie Review: The Master Parodist pays homage to the Master of Suspense
Summary: 5 Stars
This is definitely one of Mel Brooks' best efforts, ranking up there alongside "The Producers", "Blazing Saddles" & "Young Frankenstein". As the film begins, Brooks dedicates it to "the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock"; and to Brooks' credit, he successfully (and affectionately) satirizes key scenes from Hitchcock classics like "Psycho", "Vertigo" & "The Birds". But "High Anxiety" is more than a mere parody: there's the familiar Brooks nuttiness, and a re-assembling of old favorites (Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Harvey Korman, Ron Carey) mixed in with newer faces (Howard Morris, Dick Van Patten). The late 70's look has dated the film slightly, but it hasn't affected the humor; it is still one of the best comedies around. And Leachman plays one of the scariest looking women in film history---that of the pointy brassiere, sinister Nurse Diesel. As the leading man---the distinguished psychiatrist Dr. Richard H. Thorndyke---Brooks is forced to play it mostly straight through the picture, although he's allowed to cut loose in a lounge singing scene and portraying an old Jewish man (with Kahn) to slip past airport security. Korman's at his weasally best as a disgruntled fellow doctor who's conspiring with Diesel, and Kahn is perfectly cast as the flaky "damsel in distress", one of those "mysterious" woman types who pop up in suspense films. But the entire cast is terrific.
A terrific Brooks comedy that has a lot of laughs!
Movie Review: Prime Mel Brooks
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been waiting for years for this film to come out on DVD, because after Young Frankenstein it's my absolute favorite Mel Brooks film (Blazing Saddles comes in an incredibly close 3rd). There are scenes in this film that I laugh just thinking about. The incredible Cloris Leachman who gave the world the unforgettable Frau Bluecher in YF here delivers an equally impressive performance as the stoic, severe and ultimately sadistic Nurse Diesel and Harvey Korman as her partner in crime, Dr. Montague is, as always, textbook perfect. Adding to all this is Mel Brooks as "high anxiety" plagued Dr. Thorndyke, newly appointed Director of the Psychoneurotic Institute for the Very Very Nervous and the much admired and equally missed comedienne par excellence Madeline Kahn as Victoria Brisbane, daughter of a missing institute patient, Arthur Brisbane. This spoof/parody/homage of the most famous of Hitchcock's work is an incredibly funny and irreverent (without being vicious or mean-spirited) film and is bound to tickle those familiar with the films of both Brooks and the great English master. Even Dick van Patten, whom I've never found remotely funny, manages to be very engaging in the smaller role of Dr. Wentworth. But without question this film belongs to Kahn, Leachman and Korman. Anyone familiar and fond of Brook's other, earlier films will find much to please them here.Movie Review: hilarious........
Summary: 5 Stars
Speaking as a great fan of Alfred Hitchcock and his infectious combination of twisted humor and compelling suspense, I would say HIGH ANXIETY is truly a valentine to the man and his vast body of cinematic work. Mel Brooks, the clown prince, is at it again! This time, he stars as Dr. Richard Harpo Thorndyke, The new head administrator of the Psychoneurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous. Thorndyke must contend with the likes of Dr. Montague (Harvey Korman) and his equally demented partner in crime, the devious Nurse Diesel (Cloris Leachman). Together, they are out to frame Dr. Thorndyke for a murder he never commited. In the face of this madness, the doctor encounters the alluring and seductive Victoria Brisbane (Madeline Kahn), the daughter of an industrialist who entered the Institute, to be treated for his condition. What's more, many of the scenes pay homage (if in parody) to some of the most well-known and well-loved scenes from some of Hitchcock's best films (including STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, THE BIRDS, VERTIGO and PSYCHO). For those of you familiar with Mel Brooks and his brand of comedy, you won't be disappointed. For those of you who have never seen a Brooks film and are not familiar with Hitchcock, this will still provide belly laughs.Movie Review: Cleverly done
Summary: 5 Stars
As stated in other reviews, one has to have watched Hitchcock films to really appreciate this movie. Brooks slips in several references, both small and large. The main movies that this refers to are "Spellbound" and "Vertigo". But also...the head nurse immediately reminded me of Mrs Danvers from "Rebecca". There is of course the reminder of "The Birds" which actually grossed me out. Also "Psycho", "Dial M for Murder", and others.
There are other places where Brooks pokes fun. One is the stereotype that psychiatrists often need one themselves. We see this with the main character's fear of heights and also at the psychiatrist's convention.
Caution: If you are not familiar with Mel Brooks humour, you should know that his movies gets rather bawdy at times. This one is no exception.
Movie Review: Those who are tardy do not get fruit cup...
Summary: 5 Stars
Not only Hitchcock, but also the 1980's were completely hilarious. We would forget this if not for Mel Brooks' nearly flawless "High Anxiety." To watch Madelyn Kahn enter in her matching Gucci-over-symbolled jumpsuit, purse, shoes and car is to realize that wearing designer labels will be pointless for you from then on -- you won't be able to do it without giggling hysterically. Freud is about commerce as much as mommy and male reproductive organ obsessions ("a psychiatrist's most important rule -- never take a personal check!"). Even the sacred cow of the '80's, Astrology, is targeted: "What's your sign?" "I'm sorry -- it's UNLISTED." And watch for all the delightful visual jokes, like the photos of the Giants of Psychiatry at a convention -- Freud, Jung and Dr. Joyce Brothers. Enjoy.