Movie spotlight
Fear
The manager of a whorehouse is in love with a young woman who works as a maid, there. He believes that his feelings are reciprocated, but the woman chooses instead to marry a rich man who has also been courting her. Punctuating the story of this romance are a magician's show, and an earthquake.
Insights
Plot Summary
A seemingly ordinary suburban family's life is thrown into chaos when their teenage daughter begins to exhibit disturbing psychological changes. As her behavior escalates into paranoia and violence, the parents struggle to understand and control the terrifying transformation, fearing for her sanity and their own safety.
Critical Reception
Robert Mulligan's 'Fear' was a deeply unsettling psychological thriller that garnered mixed to positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised its tense atmosphere and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Maureen Stapleton and Ned Beatty, for their portrayal of parental anguish. However, some found the film's slow burn and ambiguous ending to be frustrating, while others commended its brave exploration of mental illness and family breakdown.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and strong performances.
Acknowledged for its effective depiction of psychological dread.
Some critics found the pacing too slow and the resolution unsatisfying.
Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Despite being directed by Robert Mulligan, known for critically acclaimed films like 'To Kill a Mockingbird', 'Fear' remains a lesser-known entry in his filmography, often overlooked despite its chilling subject matter.
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