Play Misty For Me [1971]

The obsessed stalker theme is fairly common today, but "Misty" was quite a unique thriller back in 1971 (it was the inspiration for the movie "Fatal Attraction") and is still effective today. The story is believable, intense, and fast-paced, with a few very violent moments that are guaranteed to make you jump. Walter is outstanding as the deranged woman, Eastwood is convincing as the sexy DJ, and Mills does a good job as his romantic interest. The movie was filmed in lovely Carmel with its secluded beaches and crashing surf, and features the song, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face."

This was the first film that Eastwood directed and it is really good. The DVD has some very interesting commentaries by the three stars. I recommend it to those who like romantic thrillers with mature stars, a compelling script, and lots of creepy atmosphere.


Some people think a one-night stand should be forever!   January 25, 2001
Howard Simmons
8 out of 10 found this review helpful

Clint Eastwood plays a DJ who whilst enjoying a steady relationship is tempted into an exciting one-night stand. He thinks that that is all it is but the girl has other ideas. If she can't have him then nobody can! This is a woman with attitude - I'm glad I never met her. She may be good looking but I've always hated knives!!! Although a little dated now, this 70's film is full of excitement and suspense, and most definitely worth a look!


The worldys first stalker movie?   August 12, 2004
dogbarkssome (England)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Superior thriller from Clint Eastwood, and a very strong directorial debut. All the actors are great, and it's nice to see Clint play someone other than a hard-bitten detective or cowboy. The slide from what seems to be a mild romantic triangle into full-blown psychotic horror is convincing, and the film as a whole works as a Hitchockian thriller. Eastwood inserts enough stylistic oddities that the film still plays as more offbeat than the usual Hollywood thriller - the naturalistic extended stroll through the jazz festival, or the (just this side of overly saccharine) love scene montage over Roberta Flacks 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'. The film was shot entirely on location, and the cinematography is gorgeous, something which Eastwood highlights - one early fairly basic scene of Clint and his estranged girlfriend chatting is broken up into numerous short scenes set against stunning locations. Clint's first directorial feature film is still one of his strongest, and recommended for those looking for a slightly offbeat thriller.

The DVD extras are strong - containing a substantial (50 minute) retrospective of the film, with all the leads reminiscing about the experience.


Really Enjoyable film   July 27, 2006
Mr. N. D. Havers (Liverpool)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

I watched this film for the first time the other week. Its a really good enjoyable film. Right from the start, the action begins. Its well worth buying!!


A suspense film which builds up a nice head of steam   November 30, 2007
C. O. DeRiemer (San Antonio, Texas, USA)
I saw this movie some time ago but decided recently to take another look. I'm glad I did. My memory centered on two things, the song Play Misty for Me and the bloody slashings. After watching the movie again I have renewed respect for it as a solid piece of movie making, and the song and the slashings still work. (As much as I like the song, I can never hear it without immediately thinking of the movie.) Sure, there are some smaller things that date the film, but it has a strong, uneasy story and the suspense holds up. The acting and the pace of the movie, to my mind, make it still a very watchable film. Like The Ipcress File, the strong components make the movie work.

In particular, I was startled at just how strong an actor Jessica Walter is. When she revs up her psycho side, she just sweeps everything out of her way. There is something unnerving about Walter. She's a very attractive woman, but with her strong chin, straight mouth and eyes that seem to stare into you...without blinking...there's something hidden and hard.

I like the way Eastwood isn't afraid to play next to strong actresses like Walter. He's not afraid to be vulnerable. His character here is more or less an average guy who gets more than he bargained for. A film of his I like a lot for the most part (as with this one) for much the same reason is Tightrope with Genevieve Bujold.

I could have done with a little less slashing and little less blood, but on balance I think those are minor quibbles. The movie seems to me to be a well-crafted film and shows Eastwood knew what he was doing when he decided to get into directing.