Review of Cape Fear (1991) by Tim M — 13 Oct 2015

Martin Scorsese's stylish and visual stunning remake of the 1962 classic thriller of the same name which starred Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum. The story concerns the sadistic psychopathic rapist Max Cady, played with a brilliant intensity by Robert De Niro in a chilling Oscar and Golden Globe nominated performance he has returned after serving 14 years in prison for the brutal sexual assault of a young girl to exact his revenge against a former public defender Sam Bowden, played solidly by Nick Notle in one of his finest performances whom he blames for his conviction due to a purposefully faulty defense during his trail, Cady begins a deadly game of cat and mouse with Sam and his wife Leigh and their daughter Danielle, wonderfully played by Jessica Lange and young Juliette Lewis who is a revelation in a exquisite Oscar nominated performance.

Sam is legally powerless to keep Cady from tormenting him and his family, a terrible set of circumstances will lead to a heart-stopping climax abroad a houseboat on "Cape Fear," that is one of the most suspenseful and hair-rising confrontations ever filmed.

Energetically directed by Martin Scorsese with remarkable cinematography by Freddie Francis, and razor-sharp editing by Thelma Schoomaker, the late Bernard Hermann's haunting original score is newly recorded by Elmer Bernstein to great effect, special kudos must go to Elaine & Saul Bass for the brilliantly surreal opening title sequence, exceptional supporting performances by Joe Don Baker, Illleana Douglas, Fred Dalton Thompsom and Zully Montero, terrific cameos by Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum and Martin Balsam who all starred in the original film, but this motion picture belongs to De Niro hands down his Max Cady is an unstoppable force of pure retribution, a monster of almost inhuman strength and resilience, it is truly a frightening and unforgettable performance.

Riveting, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last frame! Highly Recommended.