The Stepfather
April 2nd 2007 05:31
The Stepfather (1987) is inspired by the real life crimes of John List who murdered his entire family (including his grandmother) because they failed to provide him with the perfect family nucleus. Apparently he was on the America’s Most Wanted list for 18 years before finally being caught.
Meanwhile Jim Ogilvie (Stephen Shellen) is in hot pursuit. Blake’s last victims included his sister, and he ain’t stoppin’ for nothin’ until this killer is brought to justice. Will he get to Blake before Blake becomes disappointed with his new family? Will Stephanie be able to expose this sociopathic killer for the monster he really is?
Director Joseph Rueben made an exceptionally effective horror-thriller with The Stepfather, and one that has garnered a small cult following since it first came out. There is a sequel or two, but don’t even go there. Plus it’s being remade for a release next year, God forbid! I’m sorry, but no one will better Terry O’Quinn’s controlled chaos in the original. It’s a perfectly pitched and sustained performance, superbly matched by Jill Schoelen’s anxiously curious teenager in jeopardy.
The less said about Shelley Hack the better, her acting lives up to her surname. Thankfully her wooden performance doesn’t clang badly enough against the rest of this water-tight shocker to ruin the movie.
Despite a fairly conventional visual style (borderline TV-movieish in the look), and some dodgy scoring in places The Stepfather makes up for it in its sudden and brutal violence (executed in the best Scorsese fashion) and the screenplay’s inspired use of black humour. Very black actually; lamp black, pitch black, coal black …). This only adds fuel to the movie’s fiery heart of darkness.
The Stepfather is essential viewing for those eager to watch the American Dream with nasty cracks running across its pristine façade. It plays with convention while acting conventionally, and that’s a mighty clever trick to pull off.
Here's the original trailer (with French subs... sorry, it's the only one I could find):
And here's the brilliantly tense and compelling opening sequence to whet your psychotic appetites even more:
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Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
I do remember this one well though. Once in a blue moon they do show old movies like this through the day, but then who's got time anymore to sit down and watch them.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Kylie
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
thanks for popping by so swiftly .... anyone would think you're stalking me! LOL
Yes, Melissa, time is but an oil slick these days .... Kylie, add this one to your essential viewing list. Forget Lost, this is Terry's moment in the dark sun.
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Damo
Despite the tempatations that may be their, I don't recommend it.
Even after parent teacher meetings
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I still remember the endless word of mouth when it came on VHS.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
you don't recommend killing the family? What about in-laws?
Tracy,
embrace the Darkness. You know you want to!
JD,
yeah, small trappings and quibbles aside, the movie holds up remarkably well .... Who knows what the remake will be like .... (sigh)
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life