Recently I watched the new miniseries of this story. It was pretty good, well produced, and it made me into a big fan of Florence Pugh. It also made me curious to go back and watch this original version from 1984. I expected it to suck, but I really think it holds up well. (Apart from the comical 1980s hairstyles and fashions.)
As time has gone on, Diane Keaton has become a one-note actress who just plays herself over and over. But there was a time when she was actually trying. In this film, she is trying, and she is really pretty good. Her acting in the last 15 minutes is top notch. I bought it.
Of course the real standout in this film is Klaus Kinski. In every scene he's in, you can't take your eyes off him. He generates electricity like a power plant! Just watch him answer the phone -- he does it with 100% intention. You soon realize Charley (the protagonist) is a pawn, being deftly, delicately handled by a world-class manipulator.
I imagine at the time it was a pretty radical undertaking: to show both sides as heroes and villains. Now of course it must be viewed as a historical artifact. But one worth seeing.
As time has gone on, Diane Keaton has become a one-note actress who just plays herself over and over. But there was a time when she was actually trying. In this film, she is trying, and she is really pretty good. Her acting in the last 15 minutes is top notch. I bought it.
Of course the real standout in this film is Klaus Kinski. In every scene he's in, you can't take your eyes off him. He generates electricity like a power plant! Just watch him answer the phone -- he does it with 100% intention. You soon realize Charley (the protagonist) is a pawn, being deftly, delicately handled by a world-class manipulator.
I imagine at the time it was a pretty radical undertaking: to show both sides as heroes and villains. Now of course it must be viewed as a historical artifact. But one worth seeing.