Today's review is Cape Fear. (the 1991 Martin Scorsese remake, not the 1962 one)
The plot here is simple but effective: A convict named Max Cady (played by Robert De Niro) has recently been released from prison after serving a 14yr sentence. His lawyer all those years ago was Sam Bowden (played by Nick Nolte) who, was so appalled by Cady's crime, that he buried evidence that might have lightened the sentence or even lead to an acquittal. So, Max is out to get his revenge on Sam, stalking and threatening him, his wife Leigh (played by Jessica Lange), and his 15yr old daughter Danielle (played by Juliette Lewis). Sam files a restraining order, hires a private investigator, pays a few goons to beat Cady up, and even tries fleeing on a houseboat... but it doesn't seem like anything can stop Max Cady.
Even though the original in 1962 was directed by John Lee Thompson, Martin Scorsese opted to give his version a very Hitchcockian feel. This makes the film an interesting hybrid of ideas and influences, and a pretty unique Scorsese picture. Aside from some pacing and camera angles, the music is the same
Bernard Herrmann score from the original and the opening credits were
done by Saul Bass (both men collaborated with Alfred Hitchcock on a few of
his most famous films).
Overall, I wouldn't call this one my favorite Scorsese movie, or even my favorite Scorsese movie featuring Robert De Niro, but it's a suspenseful thriller and all of the acting solid. I typically argue against remakes but, this is one of the examples of a remake done right.
I give this one a 4 out of 5.
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