Synopsis
Peter Firth is a young man who has just blinded six horses. Institutionalized, he comes underthe care of psychiatrist Richard Burton. As he digs away, slowly uncovering what led Firth tothis breakdown, Burton comes perilously close to a breakdown himself. Though much-lauded,this is really a rather silly film, with the performances pitched way over the top, and thepsychodrama truly hysterical (when it isn’t hilarious). The stage origins are painfully obvious,and what worked …n stage is risible (thought not unentertaining) on screen.
Audio
A mono soundtrack, so not too much to say. The music sounds fine, but there is a fair bit ofdistortion in the dialogue, even when people aren’t shouting.
Video
The format is a slight widescreen: 1.66:1. The print is in good shape, but the blacks are oftennot deep enough (bordering now and then on brown), and this hurts the contrasts. The flesh tonesare fine. The layer transition is badly timed.
Special Features
The theatrical trailer, and that’s it.
Closing Thoughts
Impossible to take seriously, and Burton is much better in 1984. You won’t be bored,however.
Special Features List
- Theatrical Trailer
