Cape Fear (1991)

by Cheeto

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Posted on 9 May 2021

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Rating -

Cape Fear is a 1991 American psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese as a remake of the 1962 film of the same name which was based on John D. MacDonald’s 1957 novel, The Executioners

Cape fear is one of my favourite thrillers of all time, this is because it actually delivers on the thrills department. This is certainly one of Scorsese’s best.

I love the actual plot to this film, it’s very unique and it genuinely is fascinating. It really does put you on the edge of your seat. This paired with the great dialogue; this is a great combination.

I like Nick Nolte in this film, he really does have a great story ark. As the film goes on, he really grows into his character. At the start of the film, he is actually quite unlikeable, this is because he’s this big shot lawyer. Throughout the film, as the plot thickens, he turns from a coward into the hero, fighting off Cady (Robert De Niro).

The best part about this film is Robert De Niro, without a shadow of doubt. He plays the antagonist in this film; Max Cady. A rapist/murderer recently released from prison. The reason why he went to prison? It was because of Bowden (Nick Nolte) who used some dirty tactics to get him into prison. Cady now wants his revenge. Robert De Niro shows why he is one of the best of all time, he is sick, twisted and malevolent.

I love the theme tune by Elmer Bernstein, it’s a remastered version of the original theme in 1962. It goes so well with this theme because, like the film; it is sick, twisted and malevolent.

There’s a few negatives to this film; I fell that at times the story can go places just because of convenience, this however; doesn’t take anything away from the story.

I feel that the other characters in this film are very much irrelevant. They kind of just stand around and do nothing. This is only a minor thing, as it is mainly about Bowden (Nick Nolte) and Cady (Robert De Niro).

Overall, this film is a brilliant thriller film, it really gets your heart going, and it has some great story writing. Also the two main characters are brilliantly written and brilliantly portrayed. Give this film a watch.

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