Deathtrap -- Why It's a Great Underrated Film (Episode 15)

[@garrettbays6942]

I have watched this film off and on over the years because I never quite knew what to think of it. I realized that I actually really do love this movie the last time I watched it and had forgotten how both funny and menacing Christopher Reeve could be. Tony Walton's fabulous production design is always a joy to look at, and the astounding cinematography by Andrzej Bartkowiak captures the intense color of the set, which gives off a cozy vibe, but with a sinister undercurrent. I absolutely love how Lumet never really lets a scene settle, but constantly keeps the camera moving, though if it does remain still, he continues the nervousness through John J. Fitzstephens quick editing. Because this film takes place mostly inside the house, this definitely helps keep the film from appearing too claustrophobic and stagnant (which, of course, was practically the effect Lumet created in his disturbing film, The Offence [1973]). I also appreciate the tongue-in-cheek score by Johnny Mandel, a horribly underappreciated composer (an Oscar winner as well), practically announcing during the credits of the film that you are going to have an incredible good time, and with a very mocking aristocratic sound with the use of the harpsichord. Even during the intense music, as frightening as it is attempting to sound, it also has a playfulness to it, letting you know to not take everything so seriously. This film is often unfairly compared to Sleuth (1972), but in a negative way. Yes, both films are based on plays, star Michael Caine, are set in a large house (though in this case, semi-large), have similar editing and music styles (there are frequent quick cuts in Sleuth, and John Addison's score is also rather tongue-in-cheek and uses a harpsichord frequently), but I believe Deathtrap stands on its own, and has its own cleverness as well. It is probably not carried out as well as Sleuth, but in some ways, it is a lot more interesting. I say that because the problems the characters have in this film are easier to relate to; Sleuth deals with the snobbery of the upper class, and how some people in such a privileged position frown upon the lower class, and their attempts to fit in. You could even bring up the subject of integration and immigration in Sleuth with Olivier's character, who is English, frowning on Caine's character's Italian background (his character's father was Italian, and immigrated to England before his son was born). Of course, there is the adultory aspect as well. So both films are actually quite different, and I don't get the sense that Lumet was trying to do another Sleuth. I am really happy that we have these films from Lumet that are for a more general audience because quite a few of his more intense films can be quite violent or just slow-going. I also really love Lumet's other film that he did in 1982, The Verdict, and he kept Bartkowiak and Mandel from Deathtrap for that film, and the results are incredible. You go from playful intensity to cold and defeated. Brilliant work!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. great comment

[@josephsmith5410]

This film is completely underrated and overlooked! I loved it when it first came out, and thought it was even overlooked then. This is a film version of a successful Broadway play, and Lumet makes the single set location very cinematic and exciting. He did the same thing with "Twelve Angry Men". I love all the performances, and really think that all three actors deserved nominations. The script and pacing are so good, first-timers will never see the twists coming. I'm still on the edge of my seat every time I watch, it's so tense and fun!

[@lm2240]

I think I’ve watched about 100 of your videos, mate. Please keep making them, they’re terrific. I just watched Jean de florette and Manon of the spring after seeing your review. Both were excellent. I’ll check out death trap next.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you very much. I really appreciate your viewing, and glad to have helped you out!

[@n_n_n_n_n_n]

I watched a lot of Lumet when I was first getting into movies, this among them and I remember really enjoying it. He had directed many stage adaptations in the 60s and 70s and that experience shows here, he really keeps the limited locations feeling alive. I remember watching Equus around the same time and I admit it stuck with me more, though I also think it's a bit clunkier of an adaptation.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you

[@patrickkelly5004]

Thank you for the recommendation. I've added Deathtrap to my list of movies to watch.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

you're welcome

[@brooklineg7727]

This is the 2nd best closed room mystery movie, after Murder by Death... Christopher Reeve is magnetic and menacing. Michael Caine is charming, sinister, and bumbling. ... I will diverge from you on Dyane Cannon, I think her shrieks are off putting and break the tone of the movie, and there was a different way to play that part.... dont forget Murder by Death !

[@miggseye]

I agree with you. This is actually one of may favorite movies. Ira Levin who's play this was based on was once called, by Steven King, "The Swiss Watchmaker of Plots." And this movie adaptation turns just like. Love the reversals, limited location and cast. Such a well-crafted movie. I'd love to write something as cleverly crafted and enjoyable as this movie.

[@kenquinney5185]

This makes a great double feature with the 1972 Sleuth. I still remember the MAD magazine parody “Deathcrap.”

[@miggseye]

Triple it with Rosemary's Baby, based on the Ira Levin novel. Levin was the original playwright of Deathtrap. But love Jay Presson Allen's adaptation of it.

[@EddieHenderson92]

I think the ending could've been better but 90% of the movie is great. It's so sad what happened to Reeve because he wasn't just Superman. The guy was a great actor and had the whole package.

[@ageof1866]

im gonna have to put it on the watchlist now

[@LearningaboutMovies]

have fun!

[@dixonnormous]

I enjoyed this. Not everything worked for me, but I really appreciate what they were able to do with a single location and limited characters. I had fun! As a younger viewer it's fun seeing young Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve in a different environment

[@mact8190]

7 on IMDB for English-language films is high, at least for me. I keep my standards at 6.5 for English-language and 6 for foreign language.

[@ChurchofGroove]

Just rewatched this after eons - vaguely recollecting my enjoyment the first time. Blew me away! I had completely forgotten the main twist. Reeve is fantastic. The end's a bit silly for me, but overall a great film.

[@MosesWine]

3.7 is solid on letterboxd. It's mostly movie fans using it and they're a bit more discerning. However, I've noticed a recent trend where modern movies are getting much higher, inflated scores. Like people are using the platform like Rotten Tomatoes. Thumbs up or down. No nuance.

[@gbeat7941]

I like Deathtrap but don’t think it’s great. To me it always feels like a little brother of Sleuth, Michael Caine’s presence emphasising the connection. I agree Christopher Reeve is really good - it’s a shame he didn’t get to play darker characters more often.

[@harrisoncrawford3304]

Couldn’t agree more. Love it

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you

[@archer_biotronica9836]

Hey, thanks for the videos. I know that you have done the Apu Trilogy earlier. I wanted to request you on making a video on: Meghe Dhaka Tara. Thanks again for the amazing videos. Love your channel.

[@FirstmaninRome]

I saw this as achild and loved it, was gonna dona rewatch anyway i think its on tubi

[@tonybarnes2920]

Love this movie. Have watched it several times and it's immensely entertaining. Review scores and the amount of talk among the masses are definitely NOT indicators of quality.

[@shanecasebeer1364]

I probably should have watched this one when it was underrated, because after seeing a series of superlative reviews, I was a bit underwhelmed. Although I like Cannon, her screaming became annoying. Nevertheless, this is a nice update of Agatha Christie mysteries, and I might watch it again. Also, the twist at the end was a perfect ending! Also, I think it was so twisty, I set myself up for twists that didn't happen, so I give the movie credit for that!

[@kali3665]

I thought Deathtrap was a fantastic film. Seeing it convinced me that Christopher Reeve, Michael Caine, and Adam West would make a great screwball farce team. We never really did farce comedy that well in the United States (unless you count Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau), but I can just see the three of them together doing a British farce. Too bad we never got one, and now we've lost two of the three. Such a lost opportunity.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you

[@bikiniburger4376]

Prefer Deathtrap over Sleuth. Great film.

[@krosewall]

have you seen Sleuth (1972)? I gather critics of Deathtrap thought it suffered in comparison. SCTV even had a skit where they mocked the similarities. Ebert gave Sleuth 4 stars.

[@lolizorz]

I personally loved Sleuth!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

sleuth is excellent, too!

[@clumsydad7158]

i actually like the sleuth remake w/ caine and jude law ... the script by harold pinter is crisp yet jagged; something engaging about their emotional derangement

[@martinsorenson1055]

*spoilers* I can enjoy watching Deathtrap, but I really don't think it's that good of a movie. I don't think Lumet was able to overcome the staginess of the source material. However, I do think the first "act" - the first half - of the movie is suspenseful and fun, even though it is basically Diabolique. The second half of both the play and the movie suffer from the author not really knowing where to take the story. So, it becomes this sort of meta take on itself.

[@miggseye]

I believe the meta-take on itself WAS the point. The fractal nature of the story is what makes it compelling.