Robert Benton
Still of the night

Roy Scheider is Dr. Sam Rice, a reserved and introverted psychoanalyst whose life intertwines with Brooke, a mysterious woman connected to one of his patients, George Bynum, a chronic womanizer married but surrounded by numerous lovers. During their sessions, George had hinted that the shy and sensitive Brooke might be the ideal woman for Sam, provoking him with details and even showing him a photograph. These fragments of their sessions are revealed in flashbacks, as Sam meticulously reads over his notes at night, giving the film a noir tone and a gloomy atmosphere. When George is brutally killed, suspicion falls on a mysterious female killer, and Brooke draws Sam into a web of suspicion and inevitable attraction.

The 1982 film exudes the unmistakable influence of Hitchcock, from the constant suspense to the archetype of the blonde protagonist. Unfortunately, although Meryl Streep is indisputably more blonde than usual, she is unconvincing in the role of the femme fatale Brooke: her discomfort in wearing glamorous clothes is evident, despite the sexier than usual clothing and impeccable haircut. It is one of the rare occasions where she plays such a character, and even from her interviews, it is clear she was not comfortable in the role, not very "intellectual" for her.

Jessica Tandy shines in the role of Sam's mother, also a psychoanalyst, perfectly embodying the typical character of a Hitchcockian homage. The film proceeds as a respectful tribute to the master: from a dream-like and vaguely horror sequence that echoes Spellbound ("Io Ti Salverò"), though lacking Dalí's genius, to a long scene in the sophisticated auction house where Brooke works, a clear nod to North by Northwest ("Intrigo Internazionale").

Even though part of the suspense relies on the classic cliché of the “dark basement at night”, the pace and atmosphere of the film are solid, up to the finale. An ending that is indeed satisfying but comes a bit too quickly, almost reminding us that no matter how much you draw from Hitchcock, achieving his mastery remains a challenging goal.

Directed by Robert Benton, Oscar winner for "Kramer vs. Kramer" a couple of years earlier. Available on Prime, with the unfortunate Italian title “Una lama nel buio” ("A Blade in the Dark") which implies violence only suggested in the film.