Review of Body Heat (1981) by Adam S — 17 Aug 2014

It starts slowly, but as the story picks up steam, this 80's neo-noir will completely suck you in with it's Hitchcockian storytelling.

A cocky but generally unsuccessful attorney is out on a night in the town when he meets Matty, a stunning and alluring young lady, who quickly points out that she is married. Unperturbed, the lawyer, Ned, pursues a romantic relationship with Matty, and the two spend a few weeks together while Matty's rich husband Edmund is away. But, when he returns, Ned and Matty grow agitated, and decide to kill Edmund to claim his fortune and earn a life together. At least, that's the motives Ned thinks are at play. But certain events make everyone involved start watching their backs.....

It's got a memorable cast, with a star-making turn in a lead role for William Hurt. It was one of Hurt's first roles, and he was acting alongside Hollywood newcomer Kathleen Turner, who sizzles in the lead female role. Also appearing are Richard Crenna, Ted Danson and a very young but impressive Mickey Rourke.

It does take a while to get going, with a heavy emphasis on the courtship between Ned and Matty, which can get slightly repetitive. But once the murder comes into it, it becomes a very gripping film, as everything around the characters becomes unravelled.

For a debut directorial effort (from "Empire Strikes Back" scribe Lawrence Kasdan), this is a sensational effort. 8/10.