[newb]

Originally Posted by psycho d

Magic (1978). Yep, I am a sucker for creepy ventriloquist flicks, but I think this one stands on its own spindly little legs and feet. Instead of an epic, what Attenborough has created here is a classy psycho-thriller, almost a conundrum unto itself. The beginning utilizes flashbacks to there fullest, underhandedly setting up the what is to come. As things get underway, the story does a nice job keeping building up the mystery until nigh the very end, and even then it holds its head up high.

A young Anthony Hopkins is exploited to his fullest, way before his Hannibal role. His meager character is stunningly balanced by his dummy's rude and egocentric shenanigans, all of which are great entertainment for the flick's other characters, at least until the real fun begins. Ann-Margret is just hot; the screen could have used her for more retina delight, but we'll take what we can get. Burgess Meredith was perfect as the appropriately slimy agent that truly cares for his talent.

The camerawork accomplishes its focus with an almost tame satisfaction. Shot compositions are done in a fashion that keeps our attention nerved on what creepy little nastiness might be taking place beyond the obvious action. The story was simple and effective, giving the direction a free hand in developing a movie whose greatest attributes are difficult to pin down. Sans gore and other tricks to engage the viewer, Magic simply unravels in a fashion that envelops us until the end is nigh, which then threatens to turn sour with a cheezy ending but instead employs daring originality to drop us off at just the right stop. Merci.
d

one of my favs...great review.