(1982)
3.5
Perry Seibert
Sidney Lumet's cinematic adaptation of Ira Levin's Deathtrap is reminiscent of Sleuth. A great number of plot twists happen to very few characters in more or less a single location. Those that dislike the film will dismiss it as uncinematic, stagy, and talky. Those that admire Deathtrap will describe it as literate, claustrophobic, and tense. Both groups are correct. The film lives and dies on the strength of its performances and the quality of the gasps triggered in the audience from the shocking plot twists. Michael Caine is solid as the blocked mystery writer, Dyan Cannon does a fine hysterical routine, and Christopher Reeve is fiendishly enjoyable playing far against type. The first big surprise works beautifully, but the "big twist" at the end fails to measure up with the power of what came before. Deathtrap works more often than it doesn't, making it an enjoyable if slight experience.
Deathtrap on AllMovie
Deathtrap (1982)
