Director: Donald Cammell
Starring: David Keith, Cathy Moriarty, Alan Rosenberg, Art Evans, Michael Greene, Danielle Smith, Alberta Watson, William G. Schilling
Running Time: 111 Minutes
Certificate: 18
Extras: Donald Cammell: The Ultimate Performance Feature Length Documentary, The Argument: 1972 Short Film by Cammell, Into The White: Interview with Cinematographer, Deleted Scenes, Alternate Credit Sequence
Donald Cammell only directed four films in his career, before taking his life after losing final cut on his final film THE WILD SIDE. Whether his suicide was a direct result of studio interference or not is open to debate, but it either way, the man was intense, dedicated, and visionary. WHITE OF THE EYE is a fantastic piece of work in a fantastic package thanks to the ever faultless folks over at Arrow Video.
David Keith plays Paul White, a man who customises the latest stereos for a living. After a serial killer strikes in Tucson, Paul finds himself at the centre of the investigation as he is one of only 42 people in the US with the specific tyres known to belong to the killer. As the investigation heats up and more bodies are found, we also flashback to the beginnings of Paul’s romance with Joan (Moriarty). The non-linear narrative serves to make this a very fresh approach to the serial killer genre and this isn’t the only original aspect. Set in Tucson, Arizona, the whole film takes place against a bright and boiling locale wear dabbing talcum powder under the arms is a common occurrence.
The most identifiable and striking aspect of WHITE OF THE EYE is Cammell’s regular use of extreme close-ups. I suddenly realised that extreme close-ups are not common place in today’s cinema, and never are they used to this extent. An eye takes up the entire screen and every blood vessel and miniscule twitch is noted. You can see the lime scale on every tap, and flossing takes us too close for comfort. Forcing us this deep into the action makes this 1987 feature feel brand new and experimental, which is always a welcome touch.
The plot is always engaging and each actor gives layered performances. Although most characters change, the change itself happens off screen between the past and present. It’s a tough job for the actors to make themselves feel like the same character in a different time, but each one of them plays it brilliantly. The murder scenes, usually taking place in the comfort of one’s home during daylight, are filmed ferociously with uncompromising slow-motion as heads go through microwaves and fish suffocate in that night’s dinner. Beautifully constructed with a story to care about, WHITE OF THE EYE is so good it will sadden many viewers to find Cammell’s filmography is an important, but short one.
[usr=4]WHITE OF THE EYE is releaed on Blu-ray/DVD Dual Format via Arrow Video on 31st March.
