SNAKE EYES (1984) 88 Minutes.
p/d – Cecil Howard. Cast: Laurie Smith, Jerry Butler, Joanna Storm, Rikki Harte, Paul
Thomas, Blair Castle, Cassandra Leigh, George Payne, Sharon Mitchell and Nicole
Bernard.
Cecil Howard has done it again. The man who has never made a bad film has made
his best film ever, in his personal opinion. This cryptic and often confusing male-female
relationship struggle story features outstanding performances by the principles, Laurie Smith
and Jerry Butler. Butler plays an ad exec named Tom working hard on ruining his second
marriage. Butler’s award winning performance is so intense many regard him as the James
Dean of porn. Laurie is also extremely effective as the wife. RT. plays Jerry’s best friend
and/or nemesis Jason. While Cassandra and Rikki are easy on the eyes, they simply can’t act.
The innovative editing and door slamming sound effects, the constant trapped in cages
symbolism and the ‘do I turn right or left on Oak Street?’ constant imagery provide writer
Anne Randall’s search for significance. The heavy handed psychotherapy may wear thin
on some viewers who don’t care to concentrate with the intensity the film demands. If only
someday Randall and Howard would return to simple little love stories instead of Freudian
excursions. The growls, snarls and slamming door should keep the dozers awake. I’m afraid
I can’t agree with Howard’s own assessment. The film is blunted by its own brilliance.