Review of Dressed to Kill (1980) by Nicki M — 01 Sep 2011

Didn't mind this, but something about it didn't quite sit right with me. Perhaps I am overanalysing it, but I really got the feeling that the director of this does not like women a great deal. My comments are based on the unrated DVD version, I have not seen the theatrical one, perhaps it was not as exploitive.

The opening scene is an extended "dream" of middle aged Kate (Angie Dickinson) in the shower, quite graphic, soaping herself down while her husband totally ignores her. Maybe it is meant to be moving, but actually the portrayal of her was pathetic and made you feel that she was ridiculous - really quite cruel to film an older woman like that, no matter how good her body might still be! There would have been nicer and just as effective ways to get that point across in a story. At any rate.......... SPOILERS............................... Kate is disposed of shortly into the film, and you kind of feel it is because she has been a bit of an old slapper and had some anonymous sex with a stranger in a motel. That the focus is then immediately shifted to the young and beautiful Nancy Allen is a second slap in the face to women.

Don't get me wrong - Nancy Allen is what works in this movie. Even I felt it was a little dull prior to her appearance. She is very attractive and watchable and she does a good job as young prostitute, Liz. (See what I mean about this movie - old slapper, and young prostitute. Nice on the stereotypes!). I actually never really believed her as a prostitute, but anyhow, still she isn't bad in this. I am not sure this movie does the transexual community a lot of favours either, what with the killer being a cross dressing man! I won't say more than that and ruin it.

So I would say, okay thriller, silly ending and questionable intentions, but worth it for Nancy Allen.