The Attic/Crawlspace (Midnite Movies Double Feature)

The Attic/Crawlspace (Midnite Movies Double Feature)
by George Edwards

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Movie Reviews of The Attic/Crawlspace (Midnite Movies Double Feature)

Movie Review: There's more to this movie than meets the eye!
Summary: 5 Stars

Enter Klaus Kinski as Dr. Karl Gunther. "She can't talk", calmly mutters Gunther, to the ill-fated intruder, "I cut off her tongue...what a shame, I really liked you", before unemotionally murdering the intruder in a most unusual way. Fade to the kitchen where Gunther, slicing open a finger and coating a single bullet with his blood, proceeds to load the bullet in a gun, spins the cylinder,places the barrel to his temple, and pulls the trigger. Nothing... "So be it." As if to justify what he has done...and what he is about to do.

Crawlspace is one of those rare lost treasures of the horror genre that has never really gotten it's due. Perhaps because it was a relatively low-budgeted affair. Perhaps because it did not get much publicity. Who is to say? It is, without any doubt, however, a triumph as a well written, well directed, and more importantly amazingly acted study of a man whose lust for voyeurism and blood consumed him totally beyond the brink of any semblance of sanity. Kinski simply astounds.

Written and directed by David Schmoeller, the movie boasts an outstanding soundtrack by the famed Pino Donaggio. And although Mr. Schmoeller personally and professioally hated Kinski enough to thoroughly trash him in the 9-minute (and outrageously overpriced) documentary, "Please Kill Mr. Kinski", it is clear the two of them (Schmoeller and Kinski) got the most out of each other's talents. Schmoeller, by far, got the better of the deal.
Dr. Karl Gunther has recently been uncovered by Nazi-hunter Joseph Steiner who has spent the last 3 years locating Gunther who fled Argentina where, under his care, 67 patients of seemingly good health died under "mysterious circumstances", to which Gunther refers to as "euthanasia".

That Steiner interrupted the day-to-day routine of Dr. Gunther's "behavioral studies" of the gorgeous tenants of an apartment building he owns; was a most certain distraction to Gunther to be dealt with, as only he knew how. Murder most heinous and cruel.

It is discovered that Dr. Karl Gunther's own father was a Nazi war criminal who also had a passion for mercy killing. Mostly women and children. Gunther's writings in his personal journal reflect his musings over the ironic similarities between father and son.

Dr. Karl Gunther has an unusual way of spying on his lovelies. The ductwork, which provides heat, is conveniently located near the ceiling and works quite well as a "crawlspace" in which Gunther can merrily go about his business of studying his tenants in various states of dress and undress.

Enough cannot be said of this movie. There are few dull moments. A lot of action and a lot of Kinski, the genius who once again proves that his appearance in a film is reason alone to see it. Kinski's supporting cast members are nowhere near the caliber of actor(s) as he. But then who is? Talia Balsam, Barbara Whinnery, Carol Frances, and Tane' provide a pleasant visual distraction while Sally Brown as the pathetic and tragic Martha is very convincing as the wretched, tortured soul she portrays in her horrifically tragic confined silence.

After watching Kinski portray yet another madman, one who terrorizes his tenants in the ductwork using odd tap tap tapping sounds, and rats aplenty, those of you who live in apartments after viewing this movie will find yourselves gazing at the vents and ductwork, wondering if anyone is behind there watching, leering, and plotting... in the "Crawlspace". "So be it".