A Reflection Of Fear 1971
Movie - Review & Info

	Cover Click for bigger image in new window
	Check Availability Amazon.com VHS | DVD Amazon.co.uk VHS | DVD Search Ebay For: >> A Reflection Of Fear

Film Review:

A very much forgotten and ignored minor classic from the early 70s. Its worth a look for fans of the Scottish writer Iain Banks, as to my mind this atmospheric little chiller may have been an inspiration for his debut novel 'The Wasp Factory'

As I watched it I became aware of many plot similarities between this film and that book. We have a mixed up and isolated teenager with their own rituals and strange behaviours, a network of creeping places and further plot devices that I won't mention here as if you are a fan of The Wasp Factory, it may well give the game away here. That and some creepy incestuous behaviour between the strangely blonde Sondra Locke and her father, Robert Shaw - make for an engaging and creepy little film.

By all accounts, the film was unreleased for a few years, and needed to be drastically trimmed to get the American PG rating. A couple of scenes do seem to end abruptly, but it doesn't really detract from the creepy intensity of the film. I really wasn't expecting the ending - it doesn't seem like one you'd expect from such a mainstream film of that age.

The acting is good, the pacing measured and engaging. The whole piece has the feeling of pent up conservatism underpinning the characters and the world they inhabit, which adds to the creepiness of the family and mansion. The visuals are luscious and beautifully shot. I would love to see a good widescreen print of this film on DVD - preferably with all the missing footage reinstated. To say they don't make 'em like this anymore is apt.

AKA
Autumn Child
Labyrinth