Play Misty For Me: Collector's Edition
"Well Done Shocker!" -Leonard Maltin
Clint Eastwood made his directorial debut with this contemporary thriller about psychotic obsession. Eastwood also takes the lead in the starring role as Dave Garver, a popular radio disc jockey who repeatedly receives on-air phone requests from a sexy female fan to "play Misty for me". When the woman, Evelyn Draper (Jessica Walter), orchestrates a rendezvous with Dave at his favorite nightspot, the two begin a torrid affair. But when Dave decides to end the relationship, Evelyn's obsession turns to violence. Soon everything and everyone in Dave's life becomes a target for Evelyn's increasing deadly campaign of terror. Beautifully photographed on location in Eastwood's hometown of Carmel, California, Play Misty For Me continues to be considered one of the great modern-day thrillers.
Member Reviews
One of Scariest Thrillers From Its Era - c4th
Prior to the nineties Clint Eastwood was best known for dominating the screen as a cold tough guy like Dirty Harry or the lone drifters in his early spaghetti westerns. Hidden among his body of work is this 1971 gem of a thriller called Play Misty For Me in which he steps back from the spotlight to play a late night radio DJ named David Garver.
The much juicier role of Evelyn is played by co-star Jessica Walter. Evelyn is an avid fan of David’s show and regularly phones in a request for Misty. After an orchestrated meeting she offers herself up for what the arrogant David assumes is a one night stand. Instead he finds himself trapped in a one sided relationship controlled by the clinging, obsessively jealous and unstable Evelyn.
Jessica Walter plays her role beautifully. Her character continually catches viewers off guard with ever-changing psychotic outbursts that range from childish laughter to menacing dialogue to extreme rage. Her actions may be violent, simply puzzling, seemingly harmless or cold and calculated.
I have always considered this one of Eastwood’s finest works as a director and an actor and certainly the best among his early endeavours. Experience the nightmare affair from which David battles to escape in one of the scariest thrillers from its era.Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Spurned - newdaysof
This was one of Clint Eastwood's first roles after the Spagetti Westerns, and he plays just a normal everyday guy.
Although he has charisma, charm and good looks, his acting ability is a bit limited. He never displays a great range of emotions. He rarely cracks a smile, most of his dialogue is flat and he seems to still be playing the Man With No Name. Having said that, he is still enjoyable to watch and is good in this movie.
This film deals with an emotionally disturbed woman who goes off the deep end when she is spurned by her lover. It is a very relevant topic that many people can relate to. Breaking up with someone, even if it was a temporary fling, can have grave consequences if one of the partners can't handle it. Sometimes it's the man, sometimes it's the woman.
The movie is very entertaining to watch with a tense plot and well-defined characters. The camerwork is good and there are many nice shots of rural California coast and the small town of Carmel. There is a very rare glimpse of the Cannonball Adderly Jazz group and a brief appearance by Joe Zawinul, the keyboard wizard who went on to form the band Weather Report. There is also a beautiful romance sequence with the hauntingly beautiful The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - a classic and timeless love song sung by Roberta Flack. My only complaint is that some of the scenes are very disturbing and violent and not recommended for children.Eastwood’s Directorial Debut - MovieProf
Clint Eastwood has now directed over 35 films and counting. However, his first effort, this psychological thriller from 1971, has to be considered among his best.
Eastwood also starred in the film, playing popular night-time radio DJ Dave Garver at a small-time station. Garver has garnered an audience not just with listeners, but also with the ladies, we discover. However, one particular caller requests the song “Misty,” by Erroll Garner. Later that night, while Garver unwinds at the local bar, he meets the woman who called in: Evelyn, played by Jessica Walter. The two begin an affair that Garver has no intention of carrying on, but when Evelyn becomes obsessed with him, things turn deadly very quickly.
“Play Misty” does appear dated at times: the music and fashion aside, Eastwood also employs the quick zoom-in on people’s faces at tense moments that was so prevalent at the time. He admits in the excellent bonus documentary that accompanies the film that he hasn’t watched it in years, and would likely pick apart sections that he might now find amateurish. Regardless, “Play Misty” is an important film in that it helped originate the thriller genre that became so prominent in the 80s, and continues to this day. There would never have been a “Fatal Attraction” if this one hadn’t been made.
Member Reviews
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One of Scariest Thrillers From Its Era - c4th
Prior to the nineties Clint Eastwood was best known for dominating the screen as a cold tough guy like Dirty Harry or the lone drifters in his early spaghetti westerns. Hidden among his body of work is this 1971 gem of a thriller called Play Misty For Me ...Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Spurned - newdaysof
This was one of Clint Eastwood's first roles after the Spagetti Westerns, and he plays just a normal everyday guy.
Although he has charisma, charm and good looks, his acting ability is a bit limited. He never displays a great range of emotions. He ...Eastwood’s Directorial Debut - MovieProf
Clint Eastwood has now directed over 35 films and counting. However, his first effort, this psychological thriller from 1971, has to be considered among his best.
Eastwood also starred in the film, playing popular night-time radio DJ Dave Garver at ...