Review of Body Heat (1981) by Rich C — 15 Aug 2011

This was a stunningly atmospheric thriller which took great reference from some of the finest film noirs but spiced them right up to date with a refreshing slice of passion. Upon understanding this was Lawrence Kasdan's first directorial effort I was surprised, as while it is very derivative of its influences, it was nevertheless a bold and always inventive thriller fueled by a sticky Florida heat and the burning desires which lingers between William Hurt and Kathleen Turner in the leads.

As I mentioned, conceptually it is very much influenced by the 1940s, with the story following naive attorney Hurt lured into the clutches of the fabulous 'femme-fatale' Turner and coerced into murdering her rich husband in the hope that they can run away together with his millions.

Of course, while at first that sounds pretty predictable, it never is, with twists and turns at every corner, while the suspense and intrigue increase at the same rate as the humidity. Kasdan captures the atmosphere brilliantly, it feels like you've literally been thrown back into the heady days of noir's sweaty, un-air conditioned peak, much like Polanski achieved with Chinatown.

But while that movie successfully reinterpreted the genre with a bristling storyline and smart dialogue, Body Heat's momentum is propelled by it's simmering passions of the two leads. Their combination is just so tense and alluring, you dare not to look away.

Just when you think you've seen everything noir has to offer, Body Heat proves otherwise.