The subtle manner with which Tyron presented this simple tale is adhered to masterly by Mulligan in this great film. Of course, the subtlety itself lends a stark contrast and thereby, much muscle to the chilling aspects of the story. A simple formula, yet so well done that it has haunted me for about 28 years now. I was 13 or 14 when I happened to catch it in its original theatrical run in 1972. For me, it's become one of those rare discoveries that truly feels like something of my own, an artist or particular piece of work that I feel a strong attachment to. Chiefly because they're/it's really good, but also largely due to his/her/their/it's seemingly preposterous and sometimes perplexingly enduring relative anonymity in such a vast sea of mediocrity. Bill Hicks (THE bastion of truth and best comedian EVER) and countless bands you've never heard of come to mind. "The Other" became so obscure that I didn't see it again for about 25 years. I finally got a copy of the pan and scan (P/S) tape (released in 1989) on ebay 5 or 6 years ago, but not before begging AMC to run it. They eventually began running it, years later. It's still the P/S version and all I can currently find on ebay is a homemade DVR of the same (FMC has the P/S version scheduled for 8/31/05). It's a paradox, but we want everyone to know about our secret discoveries. We want due acceptance, success and relevance for them. And we want verification for our fragile selves.
Deep, huh? That's my IMDb review. It's my first one and may well be the only 10 stars I EVER afford any film. I can't think of a more deserving film to bear the burden of a standard.
PS to the POWERS THAT BE: Please release a widescreen deluxe edition DVD of this title while the principles are still available for commentary.
Keith KA0001-081905
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