High Anxiety
High Anxiety

Movie spotlight

High Anxiety

1977
Movie
94 min
English

A psychiatrist with intense acrophobia (fear of heights) goes to work for a mental institution run by doctors who appear to be crazier than their patients, and have secrets that they are willing to commit murder to keep.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users84%
Director: Mel BrooksGenres: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A mild-mannered clinical psychologist with a debilitating fear of heights and a penchant for panic attacks is drawn into a murder plot while attending a conference for 'The Institute for the Highly Retarded.' He must overcome his phobias and unravel the mystery before he becomes the next victim.

Critical Reception

High Anxiety was a commercial success and generally well-received by critics, who praised Mel Brooks's signature blend of slapstick comedy, witty dialogue, and affectionate parody of Alfred Hitchcock's suspense thrillers. While some found its humor occasionally hit-or-miss, the film was lauded for its clever visual gags and Brooks's enthusiastic performance.

What Reviewers Say

  • Brooks's keen eye for parody and physical comedy shines throughout.

  • A loving tribute to Hitchcock, filled with memorable gags and suspenseful moments.

  • While not reaching the heights of his earlier works, it's a solid comedy with broad appeal.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's humor and Mel Brooks's involvement, finding it a fun and entertaining parody. Many enjoyed the callbacks to classic Hitchcock films and the performances of the cast.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Mel Brooks).

Fun Fact

The film is a direct parody of Alfred Hitchcock's films, particularly 'Vertigo,' 'Psycho,' 'The Man Who Knew Too Much,' and 'Spellbound.' Several famous Hitchcockian set pieces are recreated with a comedic twist.

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