Review of Body Heat (1981) by Dan S — 12 Sep 2010
A well-crafted 80's noir thriller that takes a few pages out of classic 30's/40's films and creates something that is as cleverly seductive as it is intoxicating from an atmospheric perspective.
While there are instances where the melodrama weighs this film down (the scene with Hurt breaking into the house is especially cringe-worthy), the way this whole thing is scripted is impossible not to admire.
For the most part, Hurt plays his sleazy character skillfully and shows his many sides effectively. Turner is undeniably a presence who you could argue steals the whole thing due to her innocent looks and obvious insecurity.
Ted Danson and Mickey Rourke are also memorable in small bits. The most well put-together aspect of this whole thing is, unsurprisingly, a twist ending that you can sense is coming but you can't completely nail down.
The result is something satisfying. Not a masterpiece, but certainly an impressive film debut from director Lawrence Kasdan, and an even better one from Turner herself.
This review of Body Heat (1981) was written by Dan S on 12 Sep 2010.
Body Heat has generally received very positive reviews.
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