Review of White of the Eye (1987) by Sandy R — 07 Jan 2013

A largely overlooked and criminally underrated film from Donald Cammell.

As one would expect from such a visionary artist White of the Eye is visually and aurally resplendent throughout with some eye popping set-pieces and driving music score courtesy of Nick Mason (Pink Floyd).

Two sequences in particular are reminscent of Dario Argento and Mario Bava.

Whilst the story is pretty much a basic stalk and slash, the inventive visuals and narrative arc which are afforded this film set it aside from it's contemporaries.

In fact White of the Eye is part slasher, part psychological drama come character study.

There are very few films like this because of the unique visual composition and the way Cammell tells the story.

This consists of overexposed flashbacks and unusual editing techniques.

Both David Keith and Cathy Moriarty are great and some of the dialogue between the two is both spiritual and intellectual.

White of the Eye being borderline arthouse doesn't cater to someone who doesn't appreciate art and intellectual cinema.

If you find Hollywood trash is rotting your brain and doesn't stimulate your mind try giving Cammell's film a try.