Sisters (1972)

☆ ☆ ☆ ½

Sisters (1972) – B. De Palma

Brian De Palma’s films often end up unsatisfying.  Especially in his 1970s work, he cribs liberally from Alfred Hitchcock, borrowing his themes (voyeurism), his flaws (misogyny perhaps), and here even his composer (Bernard Herrmann) – but the result is not on the same level as Hitch’s best work.  De Palma seems more grubby, although the 70s fashion, cars, and decor may contribute to that sense, perhaps a conscious choice, in Sisters.  De Palma also pushes the sex and violence further than Hitchcock did, losing something when actions and images become explicit rather than implicit.  This said, there is just enough weird morbidity in Sisters (a hint of Cronenberg perhaps) that makes it interesting.  We begin with Danielle (Margot Kidder), a French Canadian living on Staten Island who has a one-night stand that ends in murder. Reporter Grace Collier (Jennifer Salt) sees it from her apartment window but the police don’t believe her.  Danielle and her weird ex-husband Emil (William Finley) clearly cover it up (as shown in split screen, while the police are on their way), but we come to believe that the murderer is Danielle’s (evil) twin.  A private detective (Charles Durning) is hired by the newspaper to investigate.  Herrmann’s score really keeps things moving, evoking the classic Hitchcocks.  But weirder things happen and what’s with the ending?  Ultimately, the sum may be more than equal to its parts – but the parts have been repurposed from elsewhere!  This might reward another viewing.