Das Auge des Killers

This is the epitome of a sleeper gem. It's the specific combination of multi-genre elements that makes this barely known movie one of the finer pieces of 80's trash cinema that exists, and a rather singular experience. It almost feels like Oliver Stone's U-TURN was inspired by this - that's literally the only movie I can think of that this reminds me of - they are both that wild and off the rails in a similar manner.

Donald Cammell was clearly a visionary, but never really made it as a filmmaker. From what I hear, this is his finest work, and I imagine that's true - because it would be pretty tricky to top how entertaining this rollercoaster is. It's like if Lifetime did a giallo movie and it ended up being the best Lifetime movie ever made...by far. But for all the shlocky Lifetime vibes, there's just as much over-the-top 80's sleaze.

David Keith comes off as poor man's Patrick Swayze, but it really works for this movie! And Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull, But I'm a Cheerleader, etc) is stunningly gorgeous - and acts circles around everyone else on the cast. It almost feels out of place how good her performance is - for the most part everything else is campy gold, then you have Moriarty baring her teeth and her entire soul - and basically you've got a pot full of ingredients that typically wouldn't work together, but in this case you have a daring, to-die-for meal being served - the secret recipe.

This movie is very ambitious with it's directing and editing - it's a heavily stylized movie, which will you see immediately by way of the iconic opening sequence - which honestly is one of of the best giallo style killing sequences I have EVER seen - and I say that as a huge Argento/Fulci/etc fan. This is a very special scene, within a gem of a movie. It's full of surprises! A must-see for trash cinema fans! Do yourself a favor and don't watch trailers or look too much into this movie if you're interested - just find it and watch it.

There's a lot going on in this movie, I just look forward to the day I can finally decode it, which doesn't sound like a good sign. There seems to be something vaguly supernatural at the core of it and something about love. On the subconcious level it seems to make sense, I just can't get anywhere when I try to analyse it consiously. For those put off by the accusations of style over substance, have faith, this is an fascinating movie. There's one moment that is absolutly hair-rasing, the moment when we finally realize that Keiths mind is living in a diffirent world. The only thing that lets the film down is the ending, which looks like a Hollywood style tag-on but probably isn't. Once the car chase starts it's time to leave.

What we have here is a clear case of a movie that tries to get by on sheer style, without any particular concern for the story or the characters. There are many interesting directorial touches and a unique atmosphere, but the film suffers from a weak script, and from overlength. Strictly for fans of the offbeat. (**)

Shamefully neglected thriller from director Donald Cammell is an outstanding and disturbing character study!

Arizonia family man becomes the chief suspect when some local women are violently murdered, but is this charming man the real killer?

White of the Eye is a bizarre trip of a thriller that's quite unlike any other film of the thriller/horror genre. Director Donald Cammell gives this film such incredible and dazzling style that one almost becomes hypnotized at times. It's a must-see for those who enjoy art house films. Cammell has a terrific talent for inventive cinematography and well uses the parched filming locations of Globe, Arizona. A nicely atmospheric music score also helps to set up the rather primitive-like setting of the film. Cammell also sets up some truly frightening and creative murder sequences. The story, based upon Margaret Tracy's novel Mrs. White, is a strangely compelling mystery with some great turns and taught suspense. Its a well-paced shocker that escalates to tremendous tension and a excellently executed finale.

The films stars are another true highlight. Heroine Cathy Moriarty does a genuinely believable performance as the troubled housewife. Greatest of all though is David Keith. Keith does perhaps his all-time best role with this film. He comes off in a wonderfully charming, and oddly erotic, light. Yet he's also nicely dynamic and manages to turn what could have been a clichéd or over-the-top character into a convincing human. Hollywood needs more David Keiths!

Why such an intelligent and finely-made suspense film never became a recognizable classic is simply beyond me. White of the Eye is a completely unique, engulfing, and haunting film. For those who are seeking a 'lost' classic, this film is a TRUE lost classic.

**** out of ****

The term sleeper is overused but I think it applies to this movie. It's got one of those titles like "The Stepfather" and "Cop," titles that are bad and misleading and really don't give you a sense of how well-made the film is. Like the other movies, White of the Eye benefits from an intense performance by its leading man. David Keith has always been underused in movies but there was a period in the early '80s when he seemed to be on the brink of major stardom. In this movie, he completely loses it and becomes a suburban monster; those looking for the appealing David Keith from An Officer & a Gentleman or The Lords of Discipline should look elsewhere. Cathy Moriarity was less effective as she will always be typecast as the tough New York broad. She seemed a little out of place in Tucson, Arizona. I recommend this movie for the same reasons I recommend The Stepfather, Cop, and The Reflecting Skin--I saw these movies years ago and they really left impressions I can't seem to shake.