Review of Pacific Heights (1990) by Spencer S — 11 Nov 2014

There really hadn't been, and hasn't since been, a thriller like "Pacific Heights." It melds horror and thriller seamlessly, casting Michael Keaton as an unhinged tenant who messes with new landlords Patty and Drake (Griffith and Modine).

Carter Hayes (Keaton) uses the law as a means to threaten, extort, and pressure his landlords into hurting him, so he can use it against them. Trapped in their so-called home and unable to throw him out, they go crazy, and eventually lose everything they tried to build.

Keaton is such a sublime maniac, that every scene he is in makes you uneasy. He's creepy, but in a subtle, predatory kind of way. His eyes always smolder, and you never know whether he's unhinged, or just greedy.

The revenge fantasy angle was interesting, and I liked the way it played out, as it amped up the tension even further. The cat and mouse game that Keaton and Griffith play onscreen is tantamount to "Single White Female," but without the obsessive quality to it.

I highly recommend this for those who love thrillers and the work of Micheal Keaton.