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Fear Is The Key [1972]
![Fear Is The Key [1972]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512s-A%2B0i3L._SL160_.jpg)
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Tightly plotted, well put together thriller.
Review date: 2008-06-25 Rating: 8 out of 10
If 70's fashion choices and dated music are really going to turn you off, then don't bother with this - but if you can peel past that layer, then this is well worth the effort, as what is left is a tightly plotted and engaging thriller.
Barry Newman (remember him from TV's Petrocelli..?) stars as John Talbot - an introduction shows him hearing his wife die as part of some unknown skullduggery. The action then moves to 3 years later, and he is passing through some Hicksville Louisiana town and gets involved in a brawl which lands him in court, leading to a blistering 20 minute car chase when he takes a woman hostage and flees the courtroom. How this ties together has a lot to do with things not being quite what they seem, but to say more would be unkind to those who have not seen the film before - after all, this is an Alister Maclean story, who is not particularly known for having events being all that they seem. After the chase, much of the film is interiors, and an unusual denouement which is particularly claustrophobic, which while fitting, feels somewhat anticlimactic after such an intense opening.
Look out for Ben Kingsley as a steely-eyed hitman - this was his big screen debut, and its almost disconcerting to see him with hair...
Best of all, this new widescreen version available for the first time, allows the photography to be appreciated (at least in exterior shots - the interiors are somewhat drab by comparison) without the pain of pan-and-scan, and is surprisingly clear and flawless for a 36 year old movie
I recommend not being put off by the age - this is a satisfying little thriller that gets all its details right, is just the right length, edited with a sure hand to wring tension out of scenes which otherwise could have been humdrum, and has one of the great classic 70's car chases. Thumbs up.
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Reviews
Classic Maclean
Review date: 2008-03-22 Rating: 10 out of 10
As the previous reviewers have said a long overdue reworking of what is probably the best transfer of Alistair Maclean's novels to film. The action rarely lets up and if you've not seen this film there are enough twists to keep you guessing. A rare treat with a great cast, need I say more.
FINALLY; A Proper DVD Widescreen Release!!
Review date: 2008-01-27 Rating: 10 out of 10
I have been waiting YEARS for this film to be available in it's proper Widescreen format; after having to suffer through many viewings on TV in the Awful 'Pan and Scan' format.....It's like a Whole Different Movie!!...Incredibly sharp Widescreen compositions; the Famous Car Chase is now much better represented!!....And that SMOKING ROY BUDD SCORE!!...A Good Solid early 70's Action Programmer; with solid work from Barry Newman and the Delectible Suzy Kendall; and a Great early Ben Kingsley appearance as a Stone Cold contract killer!! Pure Manna From Heaven with This DVD REISSUE!!......A Great overlooked Early 70's Alistair MacLean Crime Film Gem Ripe for Rediscovery!!
WIDESCREEN EPIC LONG OVERDUE!!
Review date: 2007-11-12 Rating: 10 out of 10
Finally, the Alistair MacLean cult favorite FEAR IS THE KEY is released in a digitally remastered widescreen format (3.25:1 Aspect Ratio)!! The colors are rich and vibrant, the Roy Budd music score is bold and robust, and Barry Newman comes off very cool as if he just walked off the set of VANISHING POINT. The action and suspence is non-stop, with the first 25 minutes of the film being a classic 70's car chase. There are also some spectacular locations on an oil rig, with some fabulous underwater photography. The cast is outstanding, including the evil John Vernon, and Ben Kingsly in his first role as a psychotic killer. I have never seen this film look so good in this remastered edition. Produced by legendary international film producer Elliott Kastner ("Harper", "Where Eagles Dare", "Farewell, My Lovely", "Angel Heart", "Breakheart Pass", etc.), you know what to expect. A great film that will not disappoint. Highly recommended before it becomes 'out of print' and lost forever.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
John Vernon
Ben Kingsley
Barry Newman
Suzy Kendall
Ray McAnally
Creators:
Barry Newman (Primary Contributor)
Suzy Kendall (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Optimum Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Optimum Home Entertainment
EAN: 5055201801487
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2007-11-05
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1972