Body Double

Starring:Craig Wasson, Melanie Griffith, Gregg Henry, Deborah Shelton, Guy Boyd, Dennis Franz, David Haskell, Rebecca Stanley, Al Israel, Douglas Warhit, B.J. Jones, Russ Marin, Lane Davies, Barbara Crampton, Larry Flash Jenkins, Monte Landis, Linda Shaw, Mindi Miller, Denise Loveday, Gela Nash
Director: Brian De Palma
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

While scoring high-profile credits as a screenwriter (including The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and Raiders of the Lost Ark), Lawrence Kasdan made his directorial debut with this steamy, contemporary film noir in the tradition of Double Indemnity and other classics from the 1940s. In one of his most memorable roles, William Hurt plays a Florida lawyer unwittingly drawn into a web of deceit spun by Kathleen Turner (in her screen debut) as a married socialite who plots to kill off her husband with Hurt's assistance. Kasdan's dialogue is a hoot (sometimes it borders on satire), and the sultry atmosphere is a perfect complement to the perspiration-soaked chemistry between Hurt and Turner, whose love scenes caused quite a stir when the film was released in 1981. John Barry's score sets the provocative mood, and both Ted Danson and Mickey Rourke are splendid in memorable supporting roles. --Jeff Shannon

Description

William Hurt and Kathleen Turner strike sparks in Lawrence Kasdan's Body Heat, a sexy, haunting tale of desire and skullduggery that echoes 1940s film noirs but is charged with an energy and passion that could only flare in the '80s. Aided by a sultry John Barry score, Kasdan's assured directorial debut foreshadowed the emotional textures he would bring to later films The Big Chill, The Accidental Tourist and Grand Canyon. Sit back and bask in this contemporary classic's wicked warmth.

DVD Features:
Additional Scenes
Featurette:Body Heat: The Plan Body Heat: The Production Body Heat: The Post-Prodution
Interviews:1981 Interview Footage with Kathleen Turner and William Hurt
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

Body Heat.......2007-07-06

Reminiscent of "Double Indemnity" and other film-noir classics, Lawrence Kasdan's directorial debut is a steamy crime drama about lust and betrayal remembered partly for its then-risqué lovemaking scenes. Hurt excels as the credulous Ned (what a sap!), and Turner sizzles in her first screen role as a husky-voiced femme fatale in the Lauren Bacall mold. Great support from Ted Danson and Mickey Rourke round out a winning cast. Titillating and suspenseful, "Body Heat" will raise your body temperature, and your pulse.

Deluxe Edition Delivers.......2007-05-27

Body Heat is one of my all time favorite movies. I am a big fan of film-noir, of which Body Heat was a modern exemplar as well as an example of a time when adults made movies for other adults.

Since other reviews amply explain the plot, I will restrict my comments to the DVD. I do want to say that part of the magic of this movie is the pitch-perfect casting from William Hurt as the over-matched, incompetent lawyer, to the gorgeous and sensual Kathleen Turner as his femme fatale, to even those acting in smaller roles such as the Ted Danson as the dancing DA and Mickey Rourke as an expert arsonist for hire. There is not a bad casting decision here, nor a wasted scene.

The Deluxe Edition DVD provides several worthwhile extras. Most notably, interviews with Kasdan, Hurt, Turner, and Danson shot recently, provide a great deal of insight into the intent of the movie, how the actors were selected, why the movie was shot in Florida instead of New Jersey as originally planned, and some of the obstacles that had to be overcome (the cold weather!, Alan Ladd's objection to Hurt's mustache, Turner's shyness about filming nude during the sex scenes, and so on). Most interesting to me was the explanation of what Maddy Walker (the Turner character) was feeling at the end of the movie in the final scene. The movie always seemed ambiguous to me with respect to whether she really cared for Racine or not. The documentary provides some insight from Kasdan's and the actor's perspectives.

The axed scenes are also of interest. I almost always agree with the decision to exclude scenes when I have seen them on DVDs and this is no exception. However, it is interesting to see how the story was originally planned and that there was actually a failed attempt to murder Maddy's husband prior to the successful attempt. It is also nice to see Turner in a sexy stewardess outfit (in the movie the Racine character has a thing for women in uniforms).

The sensuality of John Barry's wonderful jazzy score can not be emphasized enough. The score is, as Kasdan remarks, a character in the movie.

In short, the Deluxe Edition is worth the extra few dollars over the regular edition for any Body Heat fan. Would that they made movies like this today!

FANTASTIC! Gets better each time I watch it..........2007-05-22

I bought this after seeing it on cable and being reminded of what a good film it was.

On the off chance you are looking at this review and haven't seen it, William Hurt is a small town lawyer seduced by a local femme fatale, Kathleen Turner, and he gets in over his head in doing her bidding. His best friend, a assistant district attorney, played by Ted Danson, is in the unenviable position of having to investigate his friend. The drama and plot twists unwind from there...

I have now watched it several times, and I actually think it gets better each time you watch it, because you start noticing small details about the scenes and plot that you might have originally missed...this film has aged beautifully. Amazing ambience and Hurt,Turner, Mickey Rourke (back when he was cool), Danson, and the other supporting actors are great.

I bought this exact DVD off Amazon, so I can speak about the extras. This specific DVD includes some scenes that were cut--including one scene involving a first murder attempt on Richard Crenna that failed. The other extras included some interviews in Europe that took place in 1981 with Turner and Hurt. The next set of extras is discussions with the actors today about the making of the film--interesting to see how they have aged. Lawrence Kasdan, the director, is also interviewed. There's a LOT of interesting information about how it was filmed (it was cold, not hot when they shot the movie!), some artistic choices that were made, etc. I actually thought, for once, that the extras were valuable, because I had never seen film noir, and the extras really emphasize the point that Kasdan was going for a sexy recreation of old film noir like the Asphalt Jungle. Never seen those, but if they are as good as Body Heat, I will go rent...

Amazing film!.......2007-02-21

This film is definitely not given the credit that it is due. It is spicy and enticing all the way through. As a student of the law I can definitely relate the everything that occurs in this film. The main characters are full of plotting, schemes, and deceit. This movie teaches a great lesson for life, showing what can happen when you are not careful, let your guard down, and get too entrapped in physical relationships. This movie is highly recommended. You will love it!

Neo Noir South Florida.......2007-01-04

I continue to go back to certain movies. This is one that gets better with each viewing.
William Hurt and Kathleen Turner provide the melting point, but the supporting cast is entirely up to the needed level to make this one of the best dark thrillers of the past 25 years. Ted Danson is particularly good in his turn as prosecutor, while the late Richard Crenna turns in a creditable performance as the money machine that ignites the fires of greed. J.A. Preston is terrific as the police investigator who follows, or is he led?, the trail of the crime.
Moody, dark and intricate, with everything working, this is one of my favorites.

Body Double (Widescreen Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

"Double" Trouble!
very cool
An exciting movie experience.
Where's The Missing Scene
Voyeurism and Hitchcock a-go-go!

Body Double (Widescreen Special Edition)
Starring: Craig Wasson , Melanie Griffith , Gregg Henry , Deborah Shelton , and Guy Boyd
Director: Brian De Palma
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000H5TH1Q
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Customer Reviews:

"Double" Trouble!.......2007-06-12

Brian De Palma is a director who likes to tear down the wall between fantasy and reality. "Body Double" his 1984 Hitchcock homage to films like "Rear Window" is a classic example.

"Body Double" starts off with a scene at a graveyard where a vampire is about to come out of his casket, all of sudden the vampire freezes and we hear "cut"! It was all a scene from a movie. This scene reminds of a similar moment in De Palma's 1981 film "Blow Out" his homage to Antonioni and Coppola and their respective films "Blow-Up" and "The Conversation". There we thought we are about to witness a murder when we see it is all a scene from a slasher film John Travolta is working on.

Right from the opening scene "Body Double" is establishing the idea, don't trust your eyes. Nothing is what it seems to be. After the first scene, we see the credit "produced and directed by Brian De Palma" in the background we see a wide open field. It looks like the old west when suddenly the background is moved, it was a movie prop. Once again De Palma is catching us off guard. You have to be on your toes.

The film follows Jake Sully (Craig Wasson) a struggling actor who finds himself in "B" or independent films. He's working though, so no need to complain. That is until he finds out his wife is having an affair and now must find his own place and try to restart his life and deal with the fact we just lost his part as the vampire in the movie he was working on due to his claustrophobia and his inability to get inside the casket.

As luck would have it he keeps running into Sam Bouchard (Gregg Henry), another struggling actor, each of whom have a common friend. The two seem to keep going to the same auditions. Bouchard though has be offered a part in Noel Coward's "Private Lives" and needs someone to housesit an apartment he originally was watching. Now, since Sully needs a place, Sam thinks Sully would be perfect for the job. And as an added bonus, Sully's neighbor is a sexy brunette (aren't they all?) who like clockwork goes into a sexy striptease, with the shades open (some guys have all the luck!). Sully doesn't need much convincing and agrees to watch the apartment.

Without giving too much away, Sully finds himself caught in the middle of a murder. The next door neighbor has been killed. But was it really her or just a body double? Can Sully trust his eyes. Is what he is seeing the truth?

De Palma does a lot of things right in this film, but the few missteps he takes really hurts the film from being better. Most of De Palma's knock-off Hitchcock films have a "B" level quality to them in my opinion, despite the fact I may enjoy some of them. "Body Double" has some bad dialogue and shaky acting. Nothing seems real. These aren't real characters we are watching. They are movie characters, plots devices.

But the film's strenght is in the way De Palma nicely holds the film together. It moves along at a nice pace and there are some nice suspenseful moments. Not many, but a few.

Where the film comes apart in my opinion is at the end. De Palma is playing too many tricks on us. Is what we are seeing real or part of a movie? We keep switching back and forth to the point where I was completely confused. Still something about the film leads me to like it. In a way you can compare the film to a magic act. You know the magician is playing tricks before our eyes. There is smoke and mirrors involved yet we go along with the show. We don't question anything, that is half the fun. The same can be said for "Body Double". Much of it may not make much sense, we know we are being manipulated yet we go along. And when De Palma and cast are putting on such a good show for us what else can we do but sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Bottom-line: De Palma's homage to Hitchcock films such as "Rear Window" and "Vertigo" isn't quite in the same league as those other films but it is a lot of fun to watch.

very cool.......2007-02-25

A long time favorite of mind. There is no real porn in this movie But it does have a one of the better performances by Melanie Griffith, Gregg Henry. I like the plot twist in the middle.

An exciting movie experience. .......2007-02-20

Well, maybe 4.5 stars. The first time I saw this movie I was totally taken in by the clever plot. Yes, there is a major scene that doesn't quite work, but I commend Brian de Palma for admitting this in the Featurettes. These four featurettes are just as entertaining as the movie, and it's interesting to see the actors 22 years after the filming reviewing their own performances and recalling their experiences. Anamorphic widescreen with no compression artifacts. Great soundtrack by Pino Donaggio, especially the music that plays during the dance scenes in the neighbor's house. A fine DVD edition. Don't read any reviews with plot spoilers until after you've seen the picture.

Where's The Missing Scene.......2006-11-24

It is interesting how many people have given this film such high marks. It does have some nice moments. Definately Hitchcock was in DePalma's mind during the fiming. But to say this is DePalma at his finest is just plain silly. "Scarface", "Mission Impossible", and "Carrie" were all superior. Still "Body Double" is a nice, fun ride. Additionally, the four extra featurettes (totaling more than 55 min.) are enjoyable to watch. Nice interviews with DePalma and the cast as they discuss aspects of the film. Sadly no commentaries, or deleted scenes, or other fun stuff.

I remember seeing this film in theatres when it came out and there is a scene missing from this "Special Edition" DVD. After viewing the video tape of Holly Body, Jake wants to go talk to her. Jake ends up in the dressing room of the adult studio "accidentally on purpose". In this scene, which is perhaps 2-3 mintues long, there is all kind of eye candy. Jake's eyes are all over the place when Holly says to Jake "the male dressing room is on the other side" That's when Jake gets his first thought of acting in a movie with Holly. Holly notices Jake's eyes enjoying the view, she says "so you like to watch?". Jake nods. Holly says "that's cool". Which is why in the very next scene Jake says to the producer "I like to watch". It is to bad this scene was cut from this DVD release. Maybe we'll see the complete film with all extras in Ultimate Expanded Edition. Who knows?

Voyeurism and Hitchcock a-go-go!.......2006-10-14

In the early 1980s, Brian De Palma made two movies about obsessed voyeurs with Blow Out and then Body Double. With its perceived misogynistic views of women exacerbated by the violence depicted towards them and the ample use of nudity, the film became a lightning rod for controversy when it was initially released. This new Special Edition is a double-dip for this title with brand new extras and new interviews conducted with cast and crew made specifically for this release.

Throughout his career, De Palma has been dogged with the criticism that he blatantly rips off the films of Alfred Hitchcock. And to be fair, there are several overt references in Body Double. Like Jimmy Stewart's character in Vertigo, Jake has a debilitating fear that affects him at the worst possible moments. He also ends up remaking a woman into an idealized version of one he was obsessed with previously, much as Stewart does with Kim Novak's character in Vertigo. And like Stewart's character in Rear Window, Jake witnesses a crime being committed from afar and is powerless to stop it.

Body Double shows the ugly, moral tawdriness of the bottom rungs of the Los Angeles acting scene. When we first meet Jake he's in danger of being fired from Z-grade horror film. De Palma has crafted a beautifully structured thriller with a mystery that we piece together along with Jake.

"The Seduction" examines the origins of the film. De Palma got the idea for it while working on Dressed to Kill and originally set it in New York City but he spent a lot of time in L.A. while making Scarface.

In "The Setup" De Palma explains that the premise of Body Double is a postmodern spin on Hitchcock, specifically Vertigo. He also talks about the notion of voyeurism and how he called attention to it repeatedly.

"The Mystery." The porn music video was inspired by De Palma watching countless hours of MTV. A colleague recommended using the song "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood who, as it turned out, were big fans of the director.

Finally, there is "The Controversy" which examines the critical savaging Body Double received when it came out, claiming that it portrayed women negatively and that it was too violent.

Average customer rating:

Body Heat
Deluxe Edition Delivers
FANTASTIC! Gets better each time I watch it...
Amazing film!
Neo Noir South Florida

Body Heat
Starring: William Hurt , Kathleen Turner , Richard Crenna , Ted Danson , and J.A. Preston
Director: Lawrence Kasdan
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Customer Reviews:

Body Heat.......2007-07-06

Deluxe Edition Delivers.......2007-05-27

FANTASTIC! Gets better each time I watch it..........2007-05-22

Amazing film!.......2007-02-21

Neo Noir South Florida.......2007-01-04

Average customer rating:

DePalma Delivers the Drill Kill Thrill!!
Trashy, entertaining, if somewhat illogical erotic thriller real sexy fun!
Flashy And Trashy But With No Substance!
One of the nastiest movies I ever saw...
THis aiN'T No HiTChCoCK HOMage.....

Body Double
Starring: Craig Wasson , Melanie Griffith , Gregg Henry , Deborah Shelton , and Guy Boyd
Director: Brian De Palma
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0767818040
Release Date: 1998-12-15

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Even Brian De Palma's staunchest defenders had to swallow hard with this gaudily gory bauble of a thriller that is built around a gruesome (yet surprisingly wittily staged) stalking and murder involving a female victim and a killer with a giant power drill. This is De Palma at his most sensational, in a story about a B-movie actor with career problems (Craig Wasson) and a habit as a voyeur. He witnesses the aforementioned murder, then teams up with a porn actress (Melanie Griffith) to try and find the killer. De Palma has a blast going inside the porn film industry, and even films a pseudo rock video with one-hit wonders Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Wasson is an unlikely leading man, bland and pasty, but he's perfect in the role of a decidedly imperfect hero. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

DePalma Delivers the Drill Kill Thrill!!.......2007-06-23

While filming "Dressed To Kill" in 1979, Brian DePalma was first inspired to make this film. The notorious shower scene with Angie Dickinson (in full ala-nude), a 'body double' was brought in to stand in whenever it was showing Angie Dickcinson from the neck down, nude. Great way to immediately throw you off balance as a viewer, symbolizing right away, don't trust what you are watching, for like a magician, at some point in this story he's gonna surprise you by making you believe you saw one thing but not another, while showing the viewer what they are seeing the entire time right before your very eyes! Vavoom!

Of coarse this has rings and tones of "Rear Window" and "Vertigo" all through it (as well as a few other great Hitchcock thrillers, like "Shadow of A Doubt", "Dial M for Murder", "Rope", and "Marnie", which the latter featured Melanie Griffith's mom, Tippi Hedren), what better films to pay homage to???! It also has flourishes of the French, Italian, and European filmmakers that have inspired DePalma throughout as well. It has the perfect combination a psychological erotic thriller is supposed to have, all the right ingredients, from erotic fervor to dark sinister terror, from insane biting satire to leaving you breathless in despair. It's a Brian DePalma Showing...An event cause de celebrete....A classic work of film art.

Anyways, he shelved the idea, working and writing on it between his next two classics, "Blow Out" (1981) and "Scarface" (1983).

So, in 1984, Brian DePalma returned to the genre that only he does best: The erotic/psychological/suspense/mystery/thriller/satire. He fleshed out (no pun intended) a story only he could tell (he was initially just gonna produce it...thank God he decided to direct it as well!!), and made it as fresh as a golden sunrise.

He throws the viewer off guard right away by starting the film making viewers believe they are about to see a good late night B-grade vampire flick, then immediately shows that it's only a movie starring the main character of DePalma's film. Then, as the title of the film comes on screen, with an awesome desert background that is suddenly pulled away, revealing that it (the background) is just a matte painting for some movie backdrop. Right away, like The Magician, DePalma is revealing to not trust what you are about to see for the next two hours, even though it will be done right before your very eyes. The tagline was perfect for this film: "Don't believe everything you see".

Jake Scully, our main character (played to perfection by Craig Wasson) is a claustrobic, soon-to-be-out-of-work actor, who goes home after a bad day's shoot just to find his girfriend in bed with someone else! And, if wonders never cease, the apartment is hers, so he goes packing.

From staying with a friend, a local bartender, then moving through treacherous auditions (when he already "is working now, and that's what matters, isn't it?"), to have the skies depart when he befriends a chap between acting auditions and acting class, which plays out like Acting 101, with a 'psychiatric' acting teacher whose methods just may or may not be helpful or harmful, which one???! A very crucial scene there where Jake is told "You must act!", DePalma's way or reminding his audience that they must 'live', not just be a couch potato watching Life go by, participate, act! And, then things get even better for Jake (this is his lucky day, let me tell you, LOL!), his new friend (played by the great Gregg Henry) is called away for an acting gig out of town, so he needs Jake to housesit the house he's subletting. Using a real house in L.A., it is beautifully built, shaped like a spaceship, and very high in the air, with windows all around it, brilliantly filmed. AWESOME!

Then Jake is told and shown that his next door neighbor likes to do an erotic dance every night in front of her window, in full view of Jake and the handy telescope that is set in that sole position, aimed right at her house. And, Jake, being a person of very low self esteem, and just feeling he's back in the 'world', even though it's not a world to brag about. He IS living in L.A's dirty underbelly, getting only bit parts in lowrate, B-grade (possibly direct to video?) obscure films, but he lets his esteem and obsession for a better life get in the way, seeking solace by watching the lady next door do a very sexy striptease for two nights in a row, and even while she's sleeping (he knows when you're awake, ha-ha) he still likes to peep in on her, thus noticing at some point that someone else is also watching her.

So, in a fanatic/obsessive/compulsive way, he starts to follow Gloria Revelle (played by the beautiful/talented Deborah Shelton), the lady that lives in the house across from his. It is here that DePalma really shines with his technique of 'pure cinema', 'visual storytelling', making use of extremely long takes, and long scenes, with no dialgue, lasting for over 20 minutes.

There then is a seduction more wonderous than the clouds outside. Yes, there is such a thing as love at first sight! Gloria and Jake are similar in several ways. Both are claustrophobic, but in completely seperate terms of the word. Both live in a world of fear, dread, depression, despair, loneliness, in a seedy world of decadence, the beautifully filmed L.A. A very sinister, corrupt city if there ever was one, especially in the movie business, and/or the life of 'The Idle Rich'.

Jake then is plunged in to a world of hapless terror while he witnesses a murder, but is 'paralized', and can't 'act' to save the victim. He tries, lord knows he tries!

A brief appearance by the great Guy Pierson as a very 'noirish', been-there-seen-that-world-weary-wise-guy detective, who really drills (again, no pun intended) Scully like the victim got drilled to death.

Cut to Jake in a spinning bed, watching late night porno ads, and a very particular one catches his eye, "Holly Does Hollywood". He calls, gets an audition for the next "Holly" flick, reads for the director, gets the job.?.?. What is Jake so suddenly obsessed with now? WHO is Jake suddenly obsessed with now? Porno actress Holly Body (played by Melanie Griffith in her BEST role EVER), a naive (?), blue-eyed, bleach blonde, brain dead bimbo (?); or is she a very intelligent, extremely beautiful, rough and tough (?) femme fatale that Jake shouldn't be getting involved with???!

One of Craig's best scenes as Jake are during this period, especially in the porn flick, when he walks into the bathroom, saying "Ok" with such a stilted slur, JUST like real porno...VERY BAD dialogue! Or, dialogue done VERY BADLY!

Frankie Goes To Hollywood deliver a tour-de-force performance in this crucial point of the film (as great as The Yardbirds in Antonioni's "Blow Up"!) remaining as fresh today as it did then.

Eventually the mystery is solved, super dog kills the bad man, and we have The End! But, not so easy as all that. This is a very deep, disurbing, hypnotic, visceral, cerebral look inside the Human mind, and the wicked world of Hollywood. The sleazy-ness of it all. And, the blood and gore behind the scenes. And, Jake must learn to (literally) 'act'.

The way DePalma catches 'claustrobia' visually is utterly breathtaking, and SO realistic. The journey into Jake's mind is a cinema sweep of pure genius! And, all over a body double.

Be sure to watch for the scene that is a running parody of bad porno film trailers, and the 'glowing' reviews from critics! Hilarious & brilliant!

This is a film that will play you like a fool, but treat like its best friend at the same time. DePalma, of coarse, had to take on the MPAA in defense of the rating of this film. Plus, he originally wanted to cast a real life porno actress as Holly Body, but the studios shot him down on that one, but in his favor really, because this was the role Melanie Griffith was born to play! He first fought them over ratings in 80 over "Dressed To Kill", then in 83 over "Scarface", winning all three times. This is also the film which helped concrete him as 'mysoginistic', something he got labeled by extremest women's groups when he made "Dressed To Kill" (something that baffles me even to this day, because here were all these sleasy lowrate B-grade horror films that DePalma was mocking with the book-ends of this film, nude females running around like brain dead bimbo's, but everybody loved those, but DePalma films a woman nude with style and class, or a woman murdered -count ONE woman- and he gets attacked for being too violent toward women in his films.?.?.?.) Do what????!

This is a very classy, stylish, almost noirish, psychological, sinister look into the whole seedy Hollywood world, warts and all, from the glitz to the 'sl*ts'. And, he did it with guts! True masterpiece from the Master of Horror that remains as timeless as when it was released. Thank you.

Trashy, entertaining, if somewhat illogical erotic thriller real sexy fun!.......2006-12-09

As cinemaphiles know, Brian De Palma has a predilection for paying homage to Hitchcock in his films, and here tries to bring Hitchcock's affinity for sexual dysfunction, shocking plot twists and character "sudden death" that make the masters films extremely watchable until this day. But De Palma has a taste for the "low-life" that Hitchcock could not truly explore back, and really exercises the id here with this wild allegory on Hollywood, psycho-babble and the world of porno. Body Double is one of the seminal (no pun intended) 80's erotic thrillers (right up there with Fatal Attraction, Sea of Love and De Palma's Dressed to Kill, and a fun, trashy view.

The plot revolves around a failing actor (who could use some serious couch time, if you know what I mean), who becomes obsessed with a sexy neighbor whose `jones' for late-night dancing in the all together and abhorrence for window blinds makes house-sitting worth the lousy pay. And as we've seen in dozens erotic thrillers, someone dies, and our hero must get the bad guy and save the girl. Nice twists along the way keep this one very intriguing (though some "haters" will surely say they figured this one out long before the credits roll). What makes this film unique and a great view are:

A spectacularly hot, 28 year old Melanie Griffith, who about steals the movie and registers a "'10' on the peter meter" whenever she's on-screen.

The beautiful mystery brunette (Deborah Shelton) with unbelievable bedroom eyes.
Tons of sexy skin, stripping and erotic situations that'll get your blood going.
Great inside-the-movie-biz references, including a plunge into LA's adult film world.
Fine performances by the actors, with a story that reels you in and sound direction by De Palma.
An appearance by 80s group Frankie Goes to Hollywood, performing "Relax" (that song never gets old to me, at least).

Sure, there are elements of real, American "cheese"; leaps in logic (the plot tenuously hinges on a couple "fortunate" things happening at just the right time) and an overall "over-the-top" feel will turn some viewers off and have them scrambling for the remote. But Body Double is truly one of those late night cable classics that many have duplicated, but few have surpassed. It has just enough art and just enough brains to keep your attention - and did I mention Melanie Griffith?

Flashy And Trashy But With No Substance!.......2006-09-20

This is one of the worst films Brian De Palma has ever made. First you have a homeless actor, then he gets place to stay , then he watches his neighbor doing an erotic slow dance through a telescope then she gets killed and the he hooks up with a porn star!And that just covers the first 30 minutes! Then he is on the hunt for the murderer with his new "actress" friend and the twists and turns just continue as Mr. De Palma continues to put his cameras into a circular orbit.Sadly by the end of this movie you won't care "whodunnit" or why.This movie is overloaded with every Hitchcock trick in the book and it still didn't hold my interest. Ms. Griffith does however make a very accurate observation of her new friend's sexual skills.I give this film 5 stars because Ms. Griffith does appear to be convincing as a porn star (which means her character is no Rocket Scientist)

One of the nastiest movies I ever saw..........2006-08-23

...with my parents.

I'll never forget seeing this movie in the theaters with my parents. We happen to see the quite young daughter of a really good couple friend of my parents, right before we went into the theater to watch this. My parents had no idea how bad this one was. My mother, just out of the blue, invited the young lady to join us. Brian DePalma has always been one of my favorite directors, and I only had a slight hint of how bad/good this would be. Well, I don't need to tell you the rest of the story, if you've seen this movie. My parents apologized profusely to her parents, later after we watched it. AND I WAS LOVING IT!!!

I bought this on laser disc right when it came out, and recently, about 1 year ago, bought the DVD. I really like the movie, one of my favorite Brian DePalma flicks. I'll tell you some of my favorite parts.

1) The music playing, when Scully, the Craig Wasson character, gets excused from his movie scene, and is driving home to spend some unexpected quality time with his live in girlfriend. That is probably the greatest sound track music I've ever heard, by Pino Donaggio.

2) The edit cuts, between the viewing of the murder, through the eyeglass, that Scully is looking through, and the real life view, in the living room of the murder victim. I still remember the sound effects and cries of pain by the actress.

3) The twirling effect of the cameras, when Scully and the female are kissing no the beach (no, it didn't make me dizzy, like other reviewers.)

4) The "B" Acting of Melanie Griffith. You' d think she really was a porn star, the way she's acting.

5) The police detective that interviews Scully. That guy was so creepy. Reminds me of the actor Fred Gwynne. Very entertaining.

Rent or buy this movie, and you shall not be disappointed.

Little known fact about this movie: Brian DePalma interviewed a real porn star (can't think of her name off hand, but she was extremely popular at the time this movie was being made) and rejected her based on her poor acting skills. Too bad they don't include her trial tapes in the DVD extras That would be bangin'!!! There is a book I own, called Double DePalma, which gives in great details the behind the scenes of this movie. I just checked, and it is also available for as little as $2.11. I highly recommend that item too.

Dubyac99 aka MC White said: Ch-ch-ch-check it out!!! EDIT: I'm the 69th reviewer of this version? Coincidence? I think not!

THis aiN'T No HiTChCoCK HOMage............2006-08-15

Let me put it like this, this movie is not a big deal, a head scratcher, please, HELL NO.! I just like it cause it FUN, I mean Melaine Griffith as a Porn Star is so funny ...more Camp than Thrills for me and Frankie goes to Hollywood indeed " Relax...Don't do it" and Mr. De Palma's last shot while the credits are rolling is CLASSIC. Dont think, just watch !;)

Double Pump featuring Shpresa - Lower Body Workout

Average customer rating:

Holy Heck
Great workout
I love love love this workout
GREAT workout in Short amount of time

Double Pump featuring Shpresa - Lower Body Workout
Starring: Shpresa Perlleshi
Manufacturer: Peter Pan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

Fitness | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Double Pump featuring Shpresa - Total Body Workout
Tamilee Webb: Tight on Time: Body Blast
Get Ripped! with Jari Love: Get Ripped 1000
Self - Slim and Sleek Fast
Minna Lessig - Total Body Toning - 1 Minute Workout

ASIN: B000B7QCFO
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Product Description

This workout focuses on attacking those hard to maintain areas with an innovative workout on the lower body trouble areas with a variety of Isometric exercises combined with a pulsing technique that will tone and sculpt your abs, buns and thighs.

System Requirements:

Running Time 40 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Holy Heck.......2007-03-02

I borrowed this from the library to test run and I'll be buying my own copy. I don't consider myself a weakling but I am a little bit out of shape. I do a lot of toning ball exercises, but what I needed was something that got me sweating and burning, and this definitely does. One can tell that they are simultaneously getting you worked up to burn fat, and also targeting specific areas. Like the reviewer below said, a lot harder than it looks, and I'm glad, as it gives me a goal to work toward. Shpresa is easy to follow and a good personality.

Great workout.......2006-09-20

This is a great way to work your lower body. It's fast and very effective. No materials are needed, but you can easily add weights to increase difficulty. The video is divided into five sections that you can watch individually or consecutively. You begin with a warm-up, followed by squats and lunges. Then you move to the floor for a butt routine followed by abs and conclude with stretching. I exercise regularly and was happy to find the routine challenging. Because weights are optional it's great for people of all fitness levels.

I love love love this workout.......2006-09-14

This is by far my favorite lower body workout I've found so far. These routines made me lean and not bulky so I look toned and lean rather than bulky like a body builder. Shpresa is motivating without being annoying. This workout is the perfect length to piggyback with another workout. Love this video

GREAT workout in Short amount of time.......2006-05-31

I'm just starting on an "at home" workout routine. I started with the lower body workout because it's where I need to target most. The workout was intense on the abs but great for building a nice stomach. I'll probably buy the full-body workout. Shpresa makes it simple and easy to follow in only 30 minutes of my day!

Double Pump featuring Shpresa - Total Body Workout

Average customer rating:

Harder than it looks but really works you out
Absolutely Wonderful!

Double Pump featuring Shpresa - Total Body Workout
Starring: Shpresa Perlleshi
Manufacturer: Peter Pan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

Fitness | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Double Pump featuring Shpresa - Lower Body Workout
Get Ripped! with Jari Love
Tamilee Webb: Tight on Time: Body Blast
Get Ripped! with Jari Love: Get Ripped to the Core
Get Ripped! with Jari Love: Get Ripped 1000

ASIN: B000B7QCFE
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Product Description

A fat burning cardio routine utilizing oscillatory isometrics with full range movements combined with a pulsing technique. You will strengthen and tone your muscles naturally without straining the rest of the body, By following this workout program, you will redefine and sculpt all of your muscles while gaining flexibility and lots of energy

System Requirements:

Running Time 40 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Harder than it looks but really works you out.......2007-01-04

Honestly, this workout is harder than it looks even though you're only working out for 30 minutes. The warm up seems almost too easy, but then you start doing the weights. I have 4 pound weights and my arms were dying just trying to hold them up over my head after doing rep after rep after rep. Same with the leg and ab work out. Shake up your routine using this workout video with other forms of aerobics, you'll see a stark difference in a month. And Shpresa (sounds like a soft drink) has a nice throaty husky voice, not that helium squeal most aerobic instructors seem to have.

Definitely recommend it.

Absolutely Wonderful!.......2006-07-12

I love doing Gilad videos and my sister loves Billy Blank's Bootcamp, and I found something that we both will love! I really like how Shpresa does the workout in 30 minutes, so if you don't have a lot of time to spare, you can still do this workout and get the full benefits. Plus, and this is one of my most favorite parts: she shows you how to do the move before she starts her sets. It is perfect for beginners or advanced people because she has different people for you to follow based on your skill level, always the to move to the next level. The video is set up into six sections and each one ends with a nice stretch. The music is really inspiring, also. On the special features part of the DVD you can meet Shpresa and get to know her philosophy in one of her video interviews, plus there are video testimonials to watch, too. All in all I was very pleased with this workout and I am definitely going to incorporate it into my schedule.

Red Carpet Double Feature: Over Her Dead Body/Personal Services

Average customer rating:

Hilarious Cult Comedy

Red Carpet Double Feature: Over Her Dead Body/Personal Services
Starring: Over Her Dead Body , and Personal Services
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Domino Principle/March or Die
Let's Go to Prison (Rated & Unrated Versions)
Undertaking Betty
The Night Porter - Criterion Collection
Shortbus (Unrated Edition)

ASIN: B000C65YSA
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Customer Reviews:

Hilarious Cult Comedy.......2007-06-10

Personal Services: I've seen this movie a dozen times at least, it has me giggling every time. Not only is it good cheeky English comedy it also makes an interesting statement on narrow social norms and hypocracy.

I've bought it for several friends who raise an eyebrow in my direction after watching it but they laugh despite themselves.

Other movie isn't very good. I'm baffled why they were put together.

Average customer rating:

Wild Things & Body Double (2pc)
Starring: Matt Dillon , Kevin Bacon , Neve Campbell , Theresa Russell , and Denise Richards
Director: John McNaughton , and Brian De Palma
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00007L4OL
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Amazon.com

Wild Things
Wild Things is the kind of lurid, trashy thriller that you'll either dive into with unabashed pleasure or turn away from in prudish disgust; it's entirely your choice, but we suggest the former option since it's obviously much more fun. The plot's so convoluted it's hardly worth describing, except to say that it's set in humid Florida and involves a respected high school teacher (Matt Dillon--yes, Matt Dillon as a teacher!) who is faced with accusations of rape by a student (Denise Richards, from Starship Troopers) who had been giving him the kind of attention most people would consider improper for such a "nice" young lady. Another student (Neve Campbell) raises a similar charge against the teacher, and that's when a police officer (Kevin Bacon) begins to investigate the allegations. Just when you think the movie's gone overboard with its shameless sex and absurdly twisted plot, in drops Bill Murray as an unscrupulous lawyer (of course) to spice things up with insurance scams and welcomed comic relief. As directed by John McNaughton (who has a way of making just the right moves with this kind of film noir melodrama), Wild Things is a bona fide guilty pleasure--the kind of movie you may be ashamed to enjoy, but what the heck, you'll enjoy it anyway. --Jeff Shannon

Body Double
Even Brian De Palma's staunchest defenders had to swallow hard with this gaudily gory bauble of a thriller that is built around a gruesome (yet surprisingly wittily staged) stalking and murder involving a female victim and a killer with a giant power drill. This is De Palma at his most sensational, in a story about a B-movie actor with career problems (Craig Wasson) and a habit as a voyeur. He witnesses the aforementioned murder, then teams up with a porn actress (Melanie Griffith) to try and find the killer. De Palma has a blast going inside the porn film industry, and even films a pseudo rock video with one-hit wonders Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Wasson is an unlikely leading man, bland and pasty, but he's perfect in the role of a decidedly imperfect hero. --Marshall Fine

Introduction to Life Casting I
Average customer rating:
Introduction to Life Casting I

Manufacturer: Smooth-On, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
Used DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
Product Features:

Making a mold of a human hand.

Making a mold of a human arm.

Making a mold and casting of a face.

Making a mold of an entire human head.

New silicone rubbers for wild skin effects

ASIN: B000KUDURK

Product Description

This video will introduce you to life casting with Body Double Silicone Rubber and Alja-Safe Alginate. Learn how to make reproductions of a hand, arm face and entire human head. Bonus section includes an overview of the latest in skin effect materials.

Average customer rating:

Cubicle drone becomes a lycanthrope
Not To Be Missed
shopping for fangs
"much better" than Lee's "Drift"
why not WHITE SINGLE WOMAN?

Shopping for Fangs
Starring: Radmar Agana Jao , Jeanne Chinn , Clint Jung , Peggy Ahn , and John Cho
Director: Justin Lin , and Quentin Lee
Manufacturer: Vanguard Cinema
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Saving Face
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (Unrated Extended Edition)
MTV Films Present: Better Luck Tomorrow

ASIN: B00005ASP6
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Customer Reviews:

Cubicle drone becomes a lycanthrope.......2003-02-18

I don't think it's fair to compare to a first feature film to accomplished director like Kar-Wai Wong who directs an award winning cast. It's an early film by emerging directors and it weaves a narrative thread akin to another young filmmaker Shinobu Yaguchi's films "Down the Drain" and "Adrenaline Drive." In these characters fall into a bizzare series of events driven by coincidence that test thier moral fiber.

In "Fangs" we add a layer of supernatural--but more accurately a magical realism with So Cal flavor. But the film isn't about the lycanthropy or ganster edge so much as the daily struggles of working in a cubicle and surviving an undesirable marriage. This film was a perfect escape from my cubicle and it doesn't matter if you're gay, straight, Asian or Latin, we all want to escape the cubicle.

Not To Be Missed.......2001-09-14

Sick of the humdrum world of Blockbuster entertainment, I stumbled across this rare gem on the recomendation of a friend. It was refreshing to discover a new, dynamic voice in the increasingly monotonous landscape of american cinema.
On what is obviously a modest budget, the filmmakers were able to tell an engaging and hip story, peopled with well-drawn, unconventional characters. There was dark subject matter, but it was off-set with just the right amount of macabre humor.
I'd recommend this film to anyone. Looking forward to more from Quentin and Justin.

shopping for fangs.......2001-09-09

I just saw this film and loved it. Granted, it's obviously low budget but I felt the filmmakers did a great job of playing and stretching with what they had. It's rare to see a film where it's playing with the film medium, trying to say something substantial. Even though I'm not Asian American, I can still really relate to the issues of alienation and identity. I'd definitely take films like this over Hollywood or pretentious indie films any day.

"much better" than Lee's "Drift".......2001-08-07

I watched both Lee's SHOPPING FOR FANGS and the newest DRIFT. Well, I prefer the former. SHOPPING FOR FANGSS is much better than DRIFT. I saw DRIFT in the LGBT film festival in San Francisco, along with my campy kinky sistahs, and we were shocked to find how such a simple-minded film like DRIFT could be shown in San Francisco Festival. Comparatively, SHOPPING FOR FANGS is simplified (it can be more complex and deeper), while DRIFT is simply simple-minded (I cannot imagine who would be convinced by its story line???). SHOPPING FOR FANGS shows sparkles of humor, but there is only very long long long whine (whine for what? very vague) in DRIFT. I am surprised how filmmakers can be in their regression; SHOPPING FOR FANGS is obviously much more mature film, though it is much older than DRIFT. One good thing shared by the 2 is their music--the music is good. Without the music, DRIFT will be untolerable in the theatre! I think it is OK to rent SHOPPING FOR FANGS and kill time watching it; but as to DRIFT, please please think hard before you invest your time! (by the way, my SINGLE star is for the music composer only, not for the filmmakers)

why not WHITE SINGLE WOMAN?.......2001-08-04

A friend recommends this Asian American film to me, but it turns out to be disappointing. Well, I know this is an indie movie, and I dont mind its technic weaknesses. However, since it is indie, it is supposed to be more exciting and vibrant. Well, maybe it is not easy for the indie makers. Anyway, this film (un)fortunately reminds me of a very (ir)relevant movie, WHITE SINGLE WOMAN (or SINGLE WHITE WOMAN), which features Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Lee. Although WSW was made many years ago and it was made in the notorious Hollywood, it has been intriguing to me. Like the pale Shopping For Fangs, WSW also explores female desire and identity (and identity crisis), mimicry, masquerade, and horror elements. WSW focuses on the dialectic between 2 women; it is also the case, though much less convincing, in Shopping for Fangs. I can say WSW is a wonderful thriller even though it seems not so; at the same time, I have to say that Shopping for Fangs fails to show anything about horror despite its self-claim. I dont know why. It seems we still find more creativity in the more mainstream movies? I dont like this fact. I suggest the indie makers can get rid of their whatever baggage and move on, and make NEW movies as good as WSW or something even better. By the way, why do the Asian Americans always stay in their ethnic ghetto? Is it real? Why dont they interact with people outside the ghetto? This surprises me.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Love After Death

The Pride And The Passion

Island Of Lost Souls / Mystery Of The Wax Museum [1932]

DVD: Birdy the Mighty - Double Trouble

Rogue Trader