Barbet Schroeder
Inserzione Pericolosa

THE REVIEW

"Single White Female" is a 1992 film directed by Barbet Schroeder, featuring Bridget Fonda in the lead role.

The theme of the disturbing and/or psychopathic neighbor/roommate, the "stranger at the door," always arouses curiosity and can serve as a silver platter for the screenwriter to offer excellent cues for a great psychological thriller. A professionally accomplished girl publishes an ad to find a new roommate after discovering her boyfriend's infidelity, and the chosen one, after the necessary formalities, reveals that... something is amiss.

The idea, not particularly original but always intriguing, is developed in an exemplary manner. Tension, suspense, many details, especially in objects but also in dialogues to pay attention to, create a perfect logical thread (like the towel thrown on the bed at the beginning of the film, to cite one of many). There are no great mysteries to uncover, because the motive is an unresolved childhood trauma, but the psychopathic moves of the disturbing roommate are unpredictable and well-conceived. Some tricks are truly brilliant (like the "ventilation ducts" and the high heel).

The cinematography is excellent, as is the performance of the female duo, with the male characters somewhat in the background. The atmospheres created in predominantly indoor settings are very well done, like the murky nightclub; music lovers will recognize the Enigma track in the background. The erotic scenes are not gratuitous but fit well within the plot.

The film follows a rather typical trend of the '90s, that of the psychological thriller with erotic elements (I'm reminded of "Disclosure" among many). In my opinion, it was the decade with the best results in the thriller/mystery genre, but that's a personal opinion also tied to the fact that these are beautiful films glimpsed as a child and now revisited (not this one, of course, as it would have been too strong for a child).

Little gem for those who love to observe: at 00:50, the New York newsagent has displayed the "Corriere della Sera."