Customer Reviews

Crimes of Passion

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I consider myself lucky to find this cult classic on DVD with an awesome deep blue cover and the words "unrated, uncensored". Although I've been watching it so many times on video, the uncut version on DVD including some newly restored footage is a real bonus, let alone its other bonus materials, like the commentaries and a whole bunch of deleted scenes. "Crimes of Passion" is the kind of film that ignites different thoughts on each viewer's mind, although the talents of its director and actors are undeniable to everybody. The sarcastic, witty dialogue is another achievement that can be fairly compared to "All About Eve". I for one have been deeply impressed by the innumerable outrageously funny lines exchanged among the characters. One line, however, sounded like a sad memorable quote, not just because it wrapped up the whole plot but it also reminded us of an exceptionally talented and ill-fated actor -- Anthony Perkins: "Goodbye, China Blue".

I first saw Crimes of Passion in a theater years (and years) ago - and when I watched the DVD edition I realized - nothing is outdated. Nothing is lost in the translation. This is one of the most powerful, disturbing, yet poignant films I've ever seen - right up there with "Requiem For a Dream", and "Blue Velvet." First of all, how can you beat the performances of Kathleen Turner and Anthony Perkins? Better yet - is Perkins' character real? Or is he China Blue's conscience, used as a pawn to elicit the doubts and insecurities within her, as she questions the motives and morals behind her supposedly safe choices. The rest of the cast is - ok - including a pre-Designing Women Annie Potts - but its Turner and Perkins who steal this show. Quite simply, anyone who has ever struggled with relationships, struggled with life in general - should be able to relate to this movie. If you scrape off the outer layers, that wonderful, happy, perfect life of yours probably isn't quite so perfect. It might be easy for some to dismiss this as way too over the top - but that would be like saying Chris Rock is too funny. Bottom line - See This Movie.

This movie is outrageous! I have loved it since the first time I saw it back in '84. Turner is like a super nova in this movie just blazing across the screen. The way she primps, struts, prisses, and drops her one-liner heavy dialogue is a delight. Perkins is creepy as hell and the hole thing just keeps pushing the envelope further and further. Definitely not for everybody, but if you have the taste for the bizarre, graphic, over-the-top filmaking, you'll love it.

This bizarre film is without a doubt Kathleen Turner's best movie
Not only does she look down right sexy, but her sassy attitude
plus the film's erotic atmosphere make this film a real treat for cult film fans.Anthony Perkins' performance of the schizophrenic Rev.Shayne makes his character of Norman Bates from Psycho look like the poster child for sanity.There are two versions of this film, but the only one to watch is the unrated version. The real hero of this film however, is its brilliant but twisted director: Ken Russell who delivers a mix of artistic and soft core porn elements to the viewer. It would be a good idea to be/ or get familiar with Russell's work before viewing this film. Still, this is the perfect erotic drama for adults to watch after the kids go to bed.

as Ken Russel says, that's what this film is about, and it is a supurb artwork of cinema in my opinion. I've watched a beat-up 1984 VHS of the original U.S. release so many times that I've memorized some of the zinger one-liners, and the unedited, uncensored DVD is a real treat. The director and writers' commentaries give you something new to think about every time you watch it. Russel does a great job of flouting American suburban hypocrisy with this film; it's raunchy and unapologetically un-PC, shows that we all have to have our illusions to believe in

This film should be seen in its uncut and unrated video version; the theatrical release was butchered by moralists and punishment freaks when it first hit the screens in the mid 1980's. Kathleen Turner shows what a fine and brave actress she is in every scene. However, the film belongs to Anthony Perkins, who seems to be overdosing on meth with his breathlessly loony performance; he proves that he can find the sadness and humanity in a completely insane character. He was a supremely gifted actor and its a shame he died when he did. This is strange and enjoyable movie. But prudes beware: it has a lot of sexual content.

Kathleen Turner gives an excellent performance in a rather daring and risky experiment in satire by the inimitable Ken Russell! Darkly funny dialogue highlight this truly original work. Lighting, music and acting are uniformally good-even Perkin's over-the-top send-up of his Norman Bates character! Interestingly, I had an opportunity to see the original uncut version at a sneak preview in San Francisco back in 1984. And who do you think I ran in to? None other than the old shock meister himself! We had a good ten minute conversation standing outside of the theatre. I remember commenting that I thought the night-stick scene was a bit much, and he responded that he "was trying to make a point!" I, also, suggested that the pornographic images, albeit softcore, might keep people out of the theatre. Mr. Russell replied: "they might as well cut off one of my arms" if those scenes were cut. (Parenthetically, there is one silhouette scene which is quite beautiful and erotic.) Low and behold, those scenes I mentioned were in fact cut for the film's regular theatrical release. Poor Ken. Or maybe my comments stuck. Probably not. Anyway, he was quite gracious and it was truly a memorable moment. I'm glad to see that his original vision has been restored!

1984's Crimes of Passion at first seems like some trashy, 80s 'hip' tale about a woman's double life as a stylish hooker, but what we really get is a disturbing, stylish 100 minute analysis of the nature of sex, desire and relationships featuring some utterly fascinating characters, who despite their over-the-top behavior are weirdly compelling and believable. Anthony Perkins is intense as the off-the-handle, violent street-corner 'reverend' who becomes infatuated with China Blue and his idea of 'purifying' her. When he sings 'Hallelujah, Come on Get Happy' to a tied up, horrified Kathleen Turner, and then proceeds to don Turner's China Blue outfit, we are in pure, demented Psycho territory. You can't take your eyes off of Kathleen Turner as Joanna Crane/China Blue, she is at her most beautiful here, despite a silly blonde fright wig that she wears when in her China Blue role. Director Ken Russell is at his flamboyant best here, intercutting wild erotic art ranging from Japanese prints to Aubrey Beardsley lithographs to undercut the intense scenes. A great synth-based Rick Wakeman score, of Strawbs fame, fills the movie with a weird tension.

Whoa! Hold it! Open your eyes now - Isn't this plot kind of familiar? Like the newer "Eyes Wide Shut" - it's also a mystery, a nocturnal journey with dangerous liasons and then some.

This is Ken Russell's magnificent gallop though the ever festering Los Angeles psyche of sex and depravity! Lay it on Baby! Kathleen Turner is astounding as this modern day incarnation of Gudrun ["Women in Love"], she's quite a brave actress and totally unafraid of being very frank or real. In Europe? She'd be worshipped, and probably is!

John Laughlin as the not so obscure object of desire is totally believable as the husband now straying deeper and deeper into sexual obsession. Now, ladies, check your husband's cell-phone log..... [Annie Potts as the wife is so unappreciated!]

THEN there's the unforgettable ANTHONY PERKINS like the fellow in Joan Crawford's "Rain" trying to reform the fallen. Another brave performance, and will be recognized as the years pass for his remarkable talent [yes mother, there is a world beyond our motel .....].

The movie has that "blueish, soft focus" Kubrick-touch and is closed to the heart than "Eyes Wide Shut" and far more, [nightstick sequence reinserted] more appropriate. It even has a similar final closing line.

WARNING : This is an adult movie, quite graphic for it's time....

Every time I see this film (c.30 times) it is thought provoking for different reasons. It brutally contrasts a stereotypical marriage (high school romance & 2 kids) with prostitution so prostitution comes out more honest and real. This film is compelling and should to be viewed at least 3 times before it is transfixing. The interplays between Kathleen Turner & Anthony Perkins are incredible and confronting. The filmmaking technique is a very creative and unique weaving of the plots; utilizing duets between the major characters until the final crescendo is played out. Anthony Perkins has several monologues that serve as a narrative for the audience. Not for the wowserish, nor is it pornographic (using clever imagery to allude to what is occuring), it is full of very witty, memorable one-liners. A film to own because continually renting it from the video store can become expensive. An absolute classic.