Review of The Stunt Man (1980) by Jenna I — 05 Jan 2018

Peter O'Toole is so delightful in this it's hard to think of anything else about the film. He straight up lights up every scene he's in. I can't think of a scene that makes me happier than watching him being lowered slowly into frame on that lift chair, bouncing around characters as he argues with them. Like *chef finger kiss*.

This is such a great little film-what a bizarre premise with such an off-kilter sense of dark humor. It feels like a fun house, and not just because of the rollicking circus-esque music. I was kept on my toes as much as the film crew in the movie, O'Toole walks that line of benevolent dictator so well you genuinely don't know what to expect from him. This movie can be straight up mean at times but it does it in such an unabashed and joyful way you can't help but laugh with it.

The camera work is also particularly stunning for the most part, with amazing use of color, lighting and reflections in key scenes. Steve Railsback is unfortunately the weakest link... I can't help but think they should have cast more of a comedian. Like Alan Arkin could have crushed it and held his own against O'Toole. Oh well.

All in all, pretty delightful. A meaner, post-Vietnam 8 1/2, in a way. I wouldn't mind rewatching this in a theater.

Quote of the film: "I hope this doesn't fuck up our relationship, you being alive and all.".