Starring: Michael Caine, Angie Dickinson, Nancy Allen, Keith Gordon, Dennis Franz, David Margulies, Ken Baker, Susanna Clemm, Brandon Maggart
Review: When therapist Dr. Elliott (Michael Caine) learns that a mysterious blonde woman has stalked and murdered his patient, he knows that he must do everything he can to stop the killer. But soon things get even deadlier when a high-class call girl (Nancy Allen), who witnessed the patient's murder, has been chosen to be the straight-razor slasher's next victim. Get ready for suspense, shocks, and psycho-sexual thrills and chills - just as long as you're - Dressed to Kill!
Dressed to Kill is writer-director Brian De Palma's stylish and startling thriller that's more or less a reworking of the Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece Psycho. For those that have seen Psycho, and for those that haven't, I will not go into the details of the similarities between the two because I don't want to spoil anything and would not dream of ruining the experience of watching either of these very entertaining movies.
The thing about Dressed to Kill is that it's primarily style over substance. It's not too interested in plot or the characters. De Palma just gives you enough of both so you know who the story is about and what's going on. This movie is more about the way the story is told rather than the story itself, if that makes any sense. There are scenes without dialogue, clever editing, and slick camera work to offer the audience a twisted tale that titillates, terrifies, and torments - but it's seductively entertaining.
Michael Caine really adds class to this steamy suspense-filled scare-fest. He's calm, cool, and charming as a doctor that's put in a scary situation. Angie Dickinson has never been better as a Manhattan housewife that has a sexual awakening that may be more than she bargained for - You'll never look at Police Woman the same way again! Nancy Allen, as the hooker with a heart of gold, is funny, smart, and slick in the ways she tries to find out the mysterious murderer's identity. And Keith Gordon as Dickinson's character's son is sweet, sad, very clever, and is determined to bring the killer to justice. Oh, and Dennis Franz, as the gruff detective, is almost like his character on NYPD Blue; and he's great! The cast really makes this thriller work and keeps you guessing, gripping your seat, and screaming with fear when the killer is close behind!
Some may be turned off by the film's use of nudity, bloody murder scenes, and its frank discussions and depictions of sex and sexuality. I think they all work well together to give the audience a suspenseful story that is filled with taboos that help take the level of tension to new heights - well, for 1980.
The climax of the movie is quiet a shock and is classic De Palma! There's plenty of sexy thrills and shocking kills to keep you guessing to the very end. It's not without its flaws, but I enjoyed the direction and execution of Dressed to Kill. So if you're looking for a lurid thriller that'll make you reconsider therapy then check this one out!
Fun Fact: Angie Dickinson (Kate Miller) said the scene where her character gets seduced in the back of a taxicab was filmed on-location in New York City, where several gawkers observed the scene and shouted, "Right on, Police Woman!"