Squeeze
Richard Turner made Squeeze to break the "conspiracy of silence" about homosexuality. A pioneering early portrait of Auckland's LGBT scene, Squeeze centres on the relationship between a young man (Paul Eady) and the confident executive (Robert Shannon) who romances him, then mentions he has a fiancée. The film was discussed in Parliament after Patricia Bartlett campaigned against the possibility it might get NZ Film Commission funding (it didn't). Kevin Thomas in The LA Times praised Squeeze's integrity and the "steadfast compassion with which it views its hero".
Insights
Plot Summary
A gritty crime drama following Detective Ray Hudson as he navigates the dangerous streets of Los Angeles while investigating a complex murder case. He finds himself entangled with a ruthless drug cartel, facing moral dilemmas and intense pressure from both sides of the law. The investigation forces him to confront his own demons and the corrupt underbelly of the city.
Critical Reception
Squeeze was met with mixed to positive reviews, often praised for its intense atmosphere and strong performances, particularly from Edward James Olmos. However, some critics found the plot to be predictable and derivative of other crime films of the era. It is generally regarded as a solid, if not groundbreaking, entry in the crime genre.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its gritty realism and atmospheric tension.
- Edward James Olmos delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted detective.
- Some viewers found the narrative formulaic and lacking originality.
Google audience: Audience reception data for Squeeze (1980) on Google is not widely available, making it difficult to summarize specific likes or dislikes.
Fun Fact
The film was part of a revival of gritty, urban crime dramas in the early 1980s, seeking to capture the feel of classic film noir with contemporary issues.
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