I was never a particular fan of Kirk Douglas, but I would sometimes enjoy his films; just took them one by one. This one, which I remember seeing when I was 19, always stood out in my mind as being impressive. Now, over 30 years later, I still find it a riveting film.
At the time of filming, Douglas was 62. While I know he didn't do all his own stunts, what he did do was quite remarkable at that age. And, Douglas has all the intensity here that we grew used to in his career. He rarely let us down, and certainly didn't here.
John Cassavetes as the bad guy who is trying to harness the psychic powers of the young man and young woman is sufficiently evil here...you'll love what happens to his character at the close of the film. Carrie Snodgress is a sort-of girlfriend of Douglas', and although I'm not a particular fan, she does nicely here. Charles Durning, always one of my favorite supporting actors, does very nicely as the head of the institute that is studying the psychic powers of the young people; and he treads a fine line here as a professional with a sense of morals who has, unfortunately, gotten into bed with Cassavetes; he does it nicely! Amy Irving is terrific as the psychic young lady. Fiona Lewis is the "friend" and later victim of the whole plot, and one of the professionals studying the psychic phenomenon. Andrew Stevens is excellent as the young male with psychic powers; it reminded me to look up where he disappeared to...and that's behind the cameras in recent years.
I must give Brian DePalma (director) credit here. He used the story and its drama to heighten suspense, not over-relying on special effects. However, the special effects are done very well here...used as needed, but not overwhelming. Some people have compared a couple of scenes to scenes in "Carrie", but since DePalma directed that film, also, I guess we can't criticize him for a few similarities.
This film is just as good in 2013 as it was in 1978. Yes, a few things look dated (like typing), but the story is great and handled well by DePalma and the actors. Highly recommended.
At the time of filming, Douglas was 62. While I know he didn't do all his own stunts, what he did do was quite remarkable at that age. And, Douglas has all the intensity here that we grew used to in his career. He rarely let us down, and certainly didn't here.
John Cassavetes as the bad guy who is trying to harness the psychic powers of the young man and young woman is sufficiently evil here...you'll love what happens to his character at the close of the film. Carrie Snodgress is a sort-of girlfriend of Douglas', and although I'm not a particular fan, she does nicely here. Charles Durning, always one of my favorite supporting actors, does very nicely as the head of the institute that is studying the psychic powers of the young people; and he treads a fine line here as a professional with a sense of morals who has, unfortunately, gotten into bed with Cassavetes; he does it nicely! Amy Irving is terrific as the psychic young lady. Fiona Lewis is the "friend" and later victim of the whole plot, and one of the professionals studying the psychic phenomenon. Andrew Stevens is excellent as the young male with psychic powers; it reminded me to look up where he disappeared to...and that's behind the cameras in recent years.
I must give Brian DePalma (director) credit here. He used the story and its drama to heighten suspense, not over-relying on special effects. However, the special effects are done very well here...used as needed, but not overwhelming. Some people have compared a couple of scenes to scenes in "Carrie", but since DePalma directed that film, also, I guess we can't criticize him for a few similarities.
This film is just as good in 2013 as it was in 1978. Yes, a few things look dated (like typing), but the story is great and handled well by DePalma and the actors. Highly recommended.