☆ ☆
The
Deadly Trap (1971) – R. Clément
René Clément (Forbidden Games, 1952;
Purple Noon, 1960) directs Fay Dunaway and Frank Langella as a couple with two
children (Cathy, 8, and Patrick, 4) who have relocated to Paris. He seems to be a science writer and she is an
amateur painter. They have a close
family friend, Cynthia, who lives in an apartment on the floor below them. The plot is very vague. Langella seems to have previously been a spy
and he is being pursued by “The Organisation” that wants to sign him up for a
long-term contract of some sort. But he
is uninterested. Dunaway is plagued by
failing memory, which may be the result of gaslighting (by friends and
acquaintances but not Langella). Then,
their children are kidnapped, presumably by members of The Organisation. The children’s experience reminds one of
Forbidden Games but we don’t spend enough time in their world. Details of all these events seem very
sketchy, as we are given only hints about what is going on – and then there is
a “reveal” that doesn’t seem earned at all.
Perhaps parts of the film were edited out? More likely, the intent was to keep details
obscure to heighten suspense, which doesn’t really work. Finally, the colours in the print were so
muted, that I suspect the film is in need of repair. But why bother? Not worth your time.
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