Hollywood’s obsession with German Nazi WW II stories are unending one and so I won’t call it a brilliant thriller after watching many films based on the similar plot. Though I must say its taut and well made thriller of 80’s Hollywood made by Richard Schlesinger and a reason enough to watch for the screen presence of three fine actors Dustin Hoffman, Sir Laurence Olivier and Roy Scheider.Disoriented events, characters and accidents keep your mind in puzzle for more than one hour and as you try to settle yourself with jigsaw puzzle kind of link between the plot and characters you’re come closer to the climax. The climax was engaging, predictable one and more to poetic justice. Its here that film fails to raise bar. Laurence Olivier as Dentist Szell is another cold blooded cruel Nazi killer much in the great Nazi villain company of Hans Landa (Inglorious Basterds) and Ralph Fiennes (Schindler’s List). Though the film has presence of a great method actor Hoffman and fine support by Scheider, Sir Olivier overshadows everyone. Watch him in the torture scene asking a single question repeatedly ‘Is it safe?’ Conrad Hall’s camerawork is striking one especially in chase sequences.
Worth watching for Laurence Olivier.
Ratings-7/10
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