WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS (1993) A Film Review Copyright Dragan Antulov 1999
Spawned by the smashing success of SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, genre of the serial killer film proved to be one of the most enduring trends in the last decade. Multitude of such projects, ranging from "high concept" Hollywood projects down to low budget exploitation, offers wide range in quality. WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS is relatively little known 1993 film, that tries, less than other examples, to hide being inspired by Jonathan Demme's work.
Movie begins with horrible discovery which indicates that the Texan town became target area for vicious serial killer who dismembers little children. Swaggert (played by Martin Sheen), chief of local police, reluctantly agrees to seek help from Dr. Audrey MacLeah (Ally Walker), State-paid forensic psychologist who should make profile of possible perpetrator. However, when MacLeah tries to engage in investigation, she is faced with animosity of male policemen, and Swaggert's lack of faith in her talents. Working alone, she finds clues that connect the crimes with institutionalised autistic child.
This film, written and directed by Michael Cohn, at first glance, gives impression of being really cheap knock-off of SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. That impression is, actually, more to Michael Cohn's credit - he looked at Demme's work very hard, and unlike many others, found out what had worked in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and what had not. So, this film, although shorter, although less spectacular, is full of dark atmosphere and elements which, although revolting, happen to be fascinating and leave strong impression. The main character, obviously inspired by Clarice Starling, is original, though. Ally Walker gives really strong performance as psychological investigator troubled with her own personal, and never revealed, demons. Almost everyone is under the shadow of that performance, including creepy Ron Perlman and Martin Sheen (whose character simply disappears in the middle of film). The result is low budget, but effective, although anything but original film. Fans of Ally Walker would probably enjoy this film very much, since it could be seen as sort of prelude to her cult TV series THE PROFILER.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
Review written on May 7th 1999
-- Dragan Antulov a.k.a. Drax Fido: 2:381/100 E-mail: dragan.antulov@st.tel.hr E-mail: dragan.antulov@altbbs.fido.hr E-mail: drax@purger.com
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