Eyewitness
Eyewitness

Eyewitness

1981Movie103 minEnglish

NYC custodian Daryll Deever is a big fan of local news reporter Tony Sokolow, so he is intrigued when she shows up to cover a story at his workplace. There's been a murder in the office building, and Tony suspects that Daryll may have insight into the crime, a notion that he furthers to stay close to her. However, when those behind the killing begin to think that he really knows something, they target the pair to keep their secrets hidden.

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Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes67%
Director: Peter YatesGenres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery

Plot Summary

A dairy plant worker living in New York City dreams of becoming a sound engineer and fabricating his own opportunities. He orchestrates a fake crime scene to impress a TV news reporter he admires, hoping to get her attention. However, his elaborate scheme inadvertently draws him into a real murder investigation involving dangerous figures.

Critical Reception

Eyewitness received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many praising its stylish direction, suspenseful atmosphere, and strong performances from its lead actors, particularly William Hurt and Sigourney Weaver. Some critics found the plot to be somewhat convoluted, but overall it was regarded as an effective thriller.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and visual style.
  • William Hurt and Sigourney Weaver's performances were highlighted as a major strength.
  • Some found the plot slightly predictable or convoluted.

Google audience: Audience reception data on Google is not readily available for this specific film.

Fun Fact

Director Peter Yates was reportedly inspired by the then-emerging VHS technology, wanting to create a film that felt 'like a tape recording' in its intimacy and close-up focus.

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