SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Roman Sampson One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Francene Odetta It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

TheLittleSongbird 'The Bedroom Window' has garnered a lot of Alfred Hitchcock comparisons. It is not hard to see why, quality-wise it is not in the same league as the best of Hitchcock's (one of my all-time favourite directors, so the comparison already fascinated me like any film compared to Hitchcock does) work but in terms of atmosphere and the tone of the story the influence is definitely there.Starting with what doesn't quite work, which was actually not much, 'The Bedroom Window' after being strong for most of its duration loses its way in the final third when it tries to start resolving the many twists. Sadly it does struggle to do that with too much of the final third being contrived and implausible, feeling like what needed to be resolved either wasn't resolved enough or was done too conveniently. After the rest of the film being so promising and well done, it was sad that the most important section of the story was where the film most fell down.Will always admire anybody who tries to do something different to usual and try and shy away from their usual personas/roles. And there are plenty of examples of actors being cast against type and giving great or more performances (James Stewart in 'Vertigo' and Rosamund Pike in 'Gone Girl' being two notable examples). Best known for the 'Police Academy' series, Steve Guttenberg takes on a career that couldn't be more different from his typical image. Sadly count me in as somebody who (although he gives it a decent bash) who found it didn't quite pay off, for the type of film Guttenberg just seemed too laid back and that he didn't seem comfortable toning things down.However, 'The Bedroom Window' is very well made visually with a darkly slick look. The haunting but never overbearing music score is a good fit and gives the film and atmosphere good character. Hanson's direction is efficient, failing only in losing control of the twists in the final third, everywhere else he did very well.The script is taut and intriguing and for much of the film the story was paced tightly. It's always compelling and entertaining with very nice, nail-biting at its best, suspense.Guttenberg aside, the performances are fine. Particularly from a charming Elizabeth McGovern and a chilling Brad Greenquist. Isabelle Huppert is suitably calculating, and there are fine, if somewhat underused, turns from Wallace Shawn and Paul Shenar (who would have on a side note made for a better lead, although he typically played villains he had the intensity).Overall, good film and almost a great one until going off the boil in the last third. 7/10 Bethany Cox

the_wrinkled_mind I came across this movie on YouTube, and decided to give it a look. I firmly believed that this would be one of those good bad movies, which are corny but harmless fun movies to watch. But boy was I surprised.The best thing about this movie, despite Steve Guttenberg and his lack of acting, and few loopholes, is that it keeps you absolutely hooked, from the start to the finish. Everyone else does their part well, but Brad Greenquist is absolutely brilliant. I loved Elizabeth McGovern as well, who did a good job with her character. She also gives strong Audrey Horne vibes.Overall, it feels like a Alfred Hitchcock movie, and that in itself is a huge compliment.

lastliberal This was a fascinating thriller in the style of Alfred Hitchcock.Terry Lambert (Steve Guttenberg) is having an affair with his boss' wife (Isabelle Huppert) and she sees an assault while looking out the window. He wants to do the right thing so he informs the police that he saw it, getting the details from her.Things fall apart and both the rapist (Brad Greenquist) and the attacked (Elizabeth McGovern) know he is lying, and soon the police are after him for the rape/murders.Things definitely get exciting as he tries to clear his name and catch the real killer (like OJ?).It ends as expected, but not before some really tense moments. Really worth watching.

Greensleeves This thriller would have made a great Hitchcock movie. As it stands, it's not too bad but it could have been so much better. However, any film that can engage the attention for nearly two hours must have something going for it and this does have an intriguing story line. It also has the advantage of a good cast, Steve Guttenberg is his usual affable self doing the wrong thing for the right reasons, Elizabeth McGovern brings a wonderful hard edge to her performance and Isabelle Huppert is beautiful but nasty. Brad Greenquist manages to imbue his role with a sinister quality without saying barely a word. The plot doesn't really hold up unfortunately and there are plenty of scenes that stretch credulity just too far. However if you are prepared to accept the film on just a surface level you will find yourself nicely entertained.