Play Misty For Me

'Play Misty For Me' is an odd film. Not only is it Clint Eastwood's directorial debut, but it also marked a change of pace for the actor-turned-director. As both, it succeeds remarkably, and is hugely influential in it's prototypical use of a psychopathic female for the film’s 'villain' (see 'Fatal Attraction' et al).

Eastwood delivers a nicely-done performance in smooth operator and late-night DJ Dave Garver, managing to gain our sympathy despite his own womanising ways, and conveying a true sense of complete helplessness in a hard situation. It's Jessica Walter who truly grabs our attention though, with an unnerving virtuoso performance as wannabe-girlfriend from hell Evelyn Draper. It really breaks the mould in terms of female roles, and kudos must be given to all concerned for pushing the envelope in such a way.

The direction is perhaps the film's most surprising aspect, with use of some interesting cuts and a real good sense of atmosphere. It's easy to see Eastwood's early influences, with the film mirroring Don Seigal's action-sense and Sergio Leone's dramatic flare, making an interesting and adept mix of the two, with pleasingly naturalistic production to boot. There's also some great smooth 70s dialogue, and a truly frightening nightmare scenario that drives the entire film.

The film perhaps slows down a little too much when it decides to give the viewer a tour of some jazz festival, but I guess it all goes towards building the film's deceptively coaxing-atmosphere. There's a beautiful nature/sex sequence underscored by a Roberta Flack song around the middle too, and whilst this serves as a nice 'calm before the storm' sequence, having it right next to the festival sequence only serves to drag the film a little too much. I would've chucked the festival sequence.

Eastwood man... relax!

This is a really good film though... I know I say that a lot, but I don't lie. It's nice to think of this and Million Dollar Baby as directorial bookends, some thirty years apart, both mature and against-the-grain in their use of female leads… maybe we should be referring to Eastwood as some kind of feminist hahaha.
Oh, and did I mention that this film is quite scary too? It's scary in a 'too real to be comfortable' and 'look at the psycho hose beast' way.

HIGHLIGHTS: One scene really sticks in my mind - Eastwood is pinned to his bed by Walter's sleeping, clinging body, and the look on his face as the camera slowly pulls out is absolutely priceless.

TRIVIA: Don Seigal, who directed Eastwood in some 5 or 6 films, makes his acting debut as the bartender Murphy.

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