Episode 46: Nicolas Roeg’s Don’t Look Now (1973)
Rotten Tomato Score: 93%
Can a film be slow, unsettling, and still be considered a horror classic? This week on Screams & Streams, we dissect the 1973 film "Don't Look Now," directed by Nicholas Roeg. Despite its 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating, our initial impressions are split. Sam finds it sluggish and not fitting the horror genre, while Mike, on his second watch, sees the beauty in its looping narrative but still agrees it’s not traditional horror. Chad appreciates the stellar cinematography and acting, though he too notes the pacing issues. We kick things off with a plot summary and our "sinister sip" of the episode: scotch, inspired by a key scene in the film.
We then move on to scrutinize specific scenes, especially those featuring Donald Sutherland. Expect a thorough critique of the unrealistic knife attack and the awkward drowning rescue scene. We also discuss the prolonged sex scene that’s oddly edited and the peculiarities of Sutherland's performance quirks. From the "useless cop" trope to the "old psychic warning," our "Tropes Hall of Shame" segment is packed with insights and laughs. We even touch upon the controversial sex scene that stirred discomfort for both Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, questioning its necessity and its divergence from the source material.
Finally, we examine the film's audio and music elements, noting the impactful use of cellos and chimes, and highlight standout "what the fuck" moments like a bizarre hospital window setup and a shocking meat cleaver incident. Our in-depth analysis covers atmospheric nuances, narrative elements, and the portrayal of parental grief. We conclude with our mixed reviews; while Mike and Chad find merit in its narrative and visual storytelling, rating it a six out of ten, Sam gives it a much lower score as a horror film. Join us for this deep dive and remember to follow us on Instagram at ScreamStreamPod and visit our website, screamsandstreams.com, for more movie recommendations and discussions.
Sinister Sips
Scotch
2 oz your whisky of choice
Drink however you like.
Plot Summary:
A married couple grieving the recent death of their young daughter are in Venice when they encounter two elderly sisters, one of whom is psychic and brings a warning from beyond. (Taken from IMDb)
Watchability Scale
Sam gave the film a 5. Mike rated it highest at 7. Chad split the difference and rated it a 6. We gave the film a 6 on the Watchability Scale.
Links
Big Audio Dynamite’s “E=MC2” (YouTube)