In this edition of the Great Remakes, join us for two versions of CAPE FEAR. The 1962 neo-noir thriller, and the Scorsese-directed 1991 remake.
CAPE FEAR (1962) at 7pm
This psychological neo-noir horror thriller, directed by J. Lee Thompson, features Robert Mitchum in the creepiest role of his career—an even more sinister portrayal than the serial killer he played in 1955’s The Night of the Hunter. Mitchum sinks his laidback teeth into the role of convicted, unreformed rapist Max Cady who, upon release from prison, stalks the man who helped put him behind bars—upstanding, idealistic lawyer Sam Bowden (Gregory Peck). Cady threatens Bowden’s family making it clear that he intends to inflict physical and sexual violence on Bowden’s teenage daughter. Cady is so shrewd that none of his interactions with Bowden or the family violate any laws, resulting in the respected lawyer growing increasingly emasculated and desperate. Soon, the law-loving Bowden is contemplating things he would never have dreamed of before. This is an intense movie that features two perfectly cast leads squaring off against each other, rich, deep-focus black and white cinematography, a fascinating moral conundrum, and surprisingly astute commentary on rape culture.
CAPE FEAR (1991) at 9pm
Martin Scorsese scored one of his biggest commercial hits with his first-ever remake. Cape Fear was not a film the director was initially attracted to making, but he agreed to do it as a favor to his friend and longtime leading man, Robert De Niro. It’s easy to see why De Niro was so attracted to this project. It gives the great actor a chance to play a purely evil character and find both truth and humanity in him. De Niro was the perfect age and in ideal physical condition to play Max Cady, a more overtly aggressive version of the character originated by Robert Mitchum.
De Niro’s Cady is a prison-hardened, Bible quoting, psychotic rapist—who even has the audacity to smoke cigars in movie theaters! After being released from prison, he makes clear his intentions to unleash his wrath on the lawyer who helped put him behind bars, Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte). Juliette Lewis gives a star-making turn as Bowden’s teenage daughter, whom Max makes his prey after first menacing an unsuspecting courthouse clerk played by Illeana Douglas. Both stars of the original film, Robert Mitchum and Gregory Peck, make cameo appearances.
You may also like the following events from Somerville Theatre:
- This Sunday, 3rd August, 03:59 am, Midnight Special: Vanishing Point in Somerville, MA
- Next Tuesday, 5th August, 07:30 pm, Green Screen: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas in 35mm in Somerville
- Next Wednesday, 6th August, 11:30 pm, Grey Gardens in Somerville, MA
Also check out other
Entertainment events in Saddle River,
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