Blackout

Year: 1985

Duration: 01:34:02

Directed by: Douglas Hickox 

Actors: Keith Carradine, Kathleen Quinlan, Richard Widmark 

Language: English

Country: USA

Also known as: Blackout – Bestie in Schwarz; Vértigo mortal; Ekdikitis horis prosopo;  Utan vittne; Bestie in Schwarz; 

Description:

Well here’s another fine example to state why you shouldn’t constantly judge films on their production and appearance values. I almost deliberately missed away with this “gem” of the 1980’s because it’s a made-for-TV film, and those usually stand for no bloodstream, politically correct tale lines, derivative plots and an irritating overload of sentimentality. “Blackout” instantly bursts through this clichéd image of the TV-movie with an exceptionally atmospheric and tense opening sequence. The tale opens with the disturbing breakthrough of 3 dead bodies, a mother along with her two kids, nightmarishly exhibited as if they had been celebrating the youngest one’s birthday celebration. The elderly cop Steiner promptly becomes obsessed with finding the killer, which undoubtedly is the husband and father. Almost at the same time of the discovery and a few States further, a man survives a terrible car accident, albeit with a complete loss of memory and in desperate need for plastic surgery. His memory doesn’t return, but he starts a brand new life under the title Allen Devlin and marries the nurse whom treated him. Six years later, the meanwhile retired Steiner is still searching for the killer and gets an anonymous letter with an image of Devlin and his brand new household. Is he the vanished killer who doesn’t remember his past? Or is someone trying to sabotage his newly discovered joy? “Blackout” is a really effective and suspenseful thriller. You will find really couple of possibilities of who the killer may be, however the intelligently written script keeps you guessing and doubting till the very final twist. Even with the quite big quantity familiar themes, like amnesia and love-triangles, the plot seems original as well as the suspense feels genuine. As anticipated, there aren’t any vile murders shown on the use and screen of blood and make-up effects is kept to a minimum. Hey, it’s a TV-movie, keep in mind, and the focus lies on stress. Obviously plenty of credit must get to manager Douglas Hickox, who’s plainly one class above the average TV-movie manager. Hickox formerly directed the Vincent Price horror classic “Theater of Blood” as well as the historic drama “Zulu Down”, so he certainly understands how build-up an ambiance and how to guide his cast in the required direction. Speaking of which, the cast is excellent with Richard Widmark, Keith Carradine and Michael Beck. “Blackout” comes with my highest feasible suggestion and, for when, one the IMDb’s suggestions is spot-on as well. The website encourages you to view “The Pledge” (starring Jack Nicholson), which also revolves on a retired copper continuing to obsessively hunt down the culprit of a long-forgotten crime.

Screenshots

Download

 Blackout (1985)