Deathtrap
Deathtrap

Deathtrap

1982Movie116 minEnglish

A Broadway playwright puts murder in his plan to take credit for a student's script.

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Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes67%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users86%
Director: Sidney LumetGenres: Mystery, Thriller, Comedy

Plot Summary

A celebrated but blocked playwright, Sidney Bruhl, receives a script from a former student that he believes could be his comeback. To secure the rights, he devises a deadly plan with his wife, Myra, to murder the student and pass off the play as his own. However, a young lawyer and Bruhl's neighbor, Clifford Anderson, becomes suspicious, leading to a series of twists and turns.

Critical Reception

Deathtrap was a critical and commercial success, praised for its intricate plotting, dark humor, and strong performances, particularly from Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve. It's considered a standout thriller with clever misdirection and a satisfyingly complex narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its clever script and unexpected twists.
  • Michael Caine's performance as the manipulative playwright is a highlight.
  • The film successfully blends suspense with dark comedy.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's suspenseful plot and surprising reveals, with many highlighting the engaging performances and the film's ability to keep them guessing until the end. Some found the humor to be particularly effective.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Motion Picture Screenplay.

Fun Fact

The film is noted for its meta-commentary on the nature of playwriting and storytelling, with the title itself being a reference to a play within the film, which in turn mirrors the plot of the film itself.

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