You need some patients to appreciate the masterful little film. Its stage play heritage has it heavy in dialogue and connecting with all of the characters in the early stages of the film is important. It is in fact the key to understanding why this film was made as we will soon witness how our new acquaintances hold or fold under a relentless physiological assault measured out by an unpredictable nemesis.
The start of film is bruding rather than slow, however when the menacing 'Teddy' joins the others that have come to be together in a lonely diner the naked humanity of all is brutally exposed as Teddy systematically terrorizes them all with condescending mind games and humiliation. The surreal climax and resolution package a very watchable film. If nothing else Marjoe Gortner's applied and brilliant portrayal of 'Teddy' is a must see for anyone interested in strong character studies.
A classic piece of much overlooked American cinema.
The start of film is bruding rather than slow, however when the menacing 'Teddy' joins the others that have come to be together in a lonely diner the naked humanity of all is brutally exposed as Teddy systematically terrorizes them all with condescending mind games and humiliation. The surreal climax and resolution package a very watchable film. If nothing else Marjoe Gortner's applied and brilliant portrayal of 'Teddy' is a must see for anyone interested in strong character studies.
A classic piece of much overlooked American cinema.