'Body Double' (1982)
Body Double is a 1984 American erotic thriller film directed by Brian De Palma. It is a classic example of De Palma's signature style, known for his fascination with voyeurism, split-screen techniques, and Hitchcockian suspense. The movie received mixed reviews upon its release, but it has since become a cult classic.
Plot Summary
The movie revolves around Jake Scully (Craig Wasson), an out-of-work actor who is currently recovering from claustrophobia. Jake's friend Sam (Gregg Henry), a fellow actor, introduces him to a beautiful woman named Gloria (Deborah Shelton) who is looking for someone to house-sit for her. Jake accepts the offer and moves into Gloria's luxurious Hollywood Hills house. He becomes obsessed with watching the beautiful neighbor across the way, but one night he witnesses her murder.
As Jake tries to piece together the clues and solve the mystery, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of deception and double-crossing. He teams up with Holly Body (Melanie Griffith), a pornographic actress who witnessed the murder and becomes his guide through the seedy underworld of Hollywood.
Themes
De Palma's Body Double tackles several themes that are recurrent in his movies. One of the most prominent themes is voyeurism. Jake's character is introduced as a struggling actor who watches porn to make ends meet. When he moves into Gloria's house, he discovers a hidden peephole that allows him to watch her every move. Through his obsession with watching Gloria, Jake becomes complicit in her murder.
Another theme that De Palma explores in Body Double is the duality of identity. The movie is full of double-crossing and deceit, as characters pretend to be someone they're not. The twist ending reveals a surprising twist that subverts the viewer's expectations and challenges their understanding of what they have seen.
Cinematography
De Palma is known for his creative use of camera angles and techniques, and Body Double is no exception. The movie makes extensive use of split-screen techniques, which are used to show two scenes at once and create a sense of suspense. The camera work is also notable for its use of long takes and tracking shots, which add to the movie's suspenseful atmosphere.
Music
The soundtrack for Body Double was composed by Pino Donaggio, who has worked on several of De Palma's movies. The score is notable for its use of the melody from the opera Lucia di Lammermoor, which plays a crucial role in the movie's climax. The song "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood is also prominently featured in a memorable scene.
Reception
Body Double received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised De Palma's signature style and the movie's suspenseful atmosphere, while others criticized it for its overtly sexual content and convoluted plot. However, the movie has since become a cult classic, beloved by fans of De Palma's work and lovers of erotic thrillers.
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Conclusion
Body Double is a classic example of Brian De Palma's signature style, known for its use of voyeurism, split-screen techniques, and Hitchcockian suspense. The movie is a fascinating exploration of identity, deception, and obsession, and it features some of De Palma's most creative cinematography and editing. While it may not be to everyone's taste, Body Double is a must-see for fans of erotic thrillers and lovers of classic Hollywood suspense.
