Introduction
Welcome to my corner! This week, I'm sharing my thoughts on the film Deathtrap as part of their 'Starring Christopher Reeve' lineup on July 10. For context, the newest Superman movie was released the next day on July 11. Enjoy!
Deathtrap
Deathtrap is a 1982 American black comedy suspense film based on the 1978 play of the same name by Ira Levin. It was directed by Sidney Lumet from a screenplay by Levin and Jay Presson Allen, and stars Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve and Dyan Cannon. Critics gave the film mostly favorable reviews while noting its plot similarities to Caine's 1972 film Sleuth.
The film narrates the tale of a famous playwright, who has not had any hits in recent years. After his student entrusts him with the manuscript of a promising play, the writer tells his wife that if the student has not told anyone else about his play, he could kill the student and claim the manuscript as his own.
Plot: When once-successful playwright Sidney Bruhl (Michael Caine) sees his latest Broadway effort bomb on its opening night, he tumbles into despair—until he receives a package from his former student Clifford Anderson (Christopher Reeve). Inside is an unproduced script that's better than anything Sidney has written in years. At the urging of his wife, Myra (Dyan Cannon), Sidney undertakes a plan to lure Clifford to his country home, murder him and then announce the script as his own work.
Acting: Terrific acting all around. Standing ovation. Applause! Applause! Holy crap.
Michael Caine played Sidney Bruhl. One of the best actors to watch onscreen as far as I'm concerned. I love watching him and listening to his voice. He's played all sorts of characters, very seasoned as you might say. He's retired now at 92 years old, but his most recent credit was in 2023. His four most notable credits are Youth, The Dark Knight, The Prestige and The Cider House. My favorite Caine movie is The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Christopher Reeve played Clifford Anderson. To think that Christopher Reeve, a dude that from what I know, was an all-around great guy, could play a seemingly sociopath character. It just proves how good of an actor he was. After his iconic role as Superman, he was easily typecast into similar roles, aka the good guy, but movies like Deathtrap had to be fun for him. To be able to step outside the norm and challenge himself. He did an amazing job in this movie. I can't say that enough. His four most notable titles are the Superman movies and Somewhere in Time. Deathtrap is definitely my favorite of his films now.
Dyan Cannon played Myra Bruhl. She convinced me with her performance. Her four most notable titles are Heaven Can Wait, The Last of Sheila, Deathtrap and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. I haven't seen any of her other work yet, but Deathtrap is definitely a favorite.
Irene Worth played Helga Ten Dorp. She was a delight onscreen. A fun, campy psychic character. She was perfect for the dynamics of the movie. Her four most notable titles are Orders to Kill, King Lear, Deathtrap and Nicholas and Alexandra. I've seen some of her other work, but Deathtrap would still be my favorite.
Technical Aspects: The exteriors of the beautiful house of Sidney (Sir Michael Caine) and Myra Bruhl (Dyan Cannon) in this movie were portrayed by a home on Long Island, complete with its own windmill. It has since been bought by Robert Downey Jr. Interiors of the house were filmed at the "Pathé" Studios in New York City's East Harlem. The stage scenes that bookend this movie were filmed at Music Box Theatre on 239 West 45th Street, New York City, where the original "Deathtrap" stage play the move was based upon was still running. The play's set was used for the two theatrical stage sequences in this movie.
When this movie was made and released, Christopher Reeve was at the peak of his fame as a result of played the title character in "Superman (1978)" and "Superman II (1983)." Reeve accepted the role of Clifford Anderson because it had nothing to do with either Clark Kent or Superman, and he wished to avoid being typecast by his superhero persona. During the making of this movie, he said, "I've had a lot of training as an actor, and I want to use it."
Final Thoughts: What a movie. There was murder. No there wasn't! Everybody's dead. Nobody's dead! I tell ya, you couldn't believe a single thing in this movie from the start. Not to mention the characters, none of them were trustworthy, except for maybe Helga.
Deathtrap was such a rollercoaster, nothing like I've ever watched before. I was on my toes the entire time, not knowing what was going to happen next or who would show up.
As dark as the plot sounds, it actually is pretty comical. I'm just astounded at how funny a thriller/suspense movie it turned out to be. I don't know what to do with myself.
I honestly can't believe I haven't heard of this movie before now. It is so good! The only thing I can think of as to why it didn't succeed is because the 1982 audiences weren't ready for LGBTQ+ onscreen. And frankly, it's a darn shame. Deathtrap is a great movie and it deserves better. I urge you to go out and watch it!
Where to watch it: According to Google, Deathtrap is currently available on the Tubi and Fandango at Home streaming services. You can also purchase or rent a digital copy for a few dollars. I've also donated a DVD copy of the film to the Emil M. Larson Public Library in Clark for you all to enjoy if you choose to.
That's it for this week! What were your thoughts? Feel free to share them with us! You can call us, email us, visit us at the office, leave us a comment or message on Facebook, or even mail us something. Keep the comments, suggestions, questions, submissions, etc. coming our way! We'd love to hear from you!
