As a first of a series of Canadian flicks of the 70's exploitation age, I'm starting with 1976's Sudden Fury. A bit of a strange film for sure, as it starts with a single scene with its lead, Dominic Hogan, pensively waiting for someone to arrive as he nurses a cocktail. Then He makes a phone call to find that the person he's waiting for, obviously his wife or significant other, is not where she's supposed to be.
You are given immediate empathy for this character. He appears to be worried sick, almost in a panic. A true sad sack.
We then jump cut to the this man and a woman who must be the wife that had him so emotionally disheveled driving in the deep outback of Ontario, Canada, as Hogan decides he wants to take a "short" deviation from their intended destination.
He wants to show his wife land he would like to develop, and wants her inherited money to make it happen,. Based on past business failures in ventures like this proposal, his wife, Canadian starlet Gay Rowan, says no.
Hogan suddenly is one not to be sympathized with so much anymore. A true psychopath emerges. Albeit one who resembles a middle-aged Rupert Grint with blond hair and terrible 70's platform shoes. A lot happens after his initial explosion at Rowan, so I do't want to give a lot away. Especially since a chunk of this film is very twisty.
It's not perfect, mind you. You have a married couple that my wife and I thought were father and daughter showing up. Yes, the age difference is that clear. The dialogue is a tad immature sounding, and comes off worse when everyone is screaming at one another. But it doesn't take away from a fine end product.
Sudden Fury is a truly original screenplay, deviating from the typical excessive violence and creating uncertain anticipation as to where its headed next. You'll be a touch on the edge of your seat until its somewhat strange denouement, but it's satisfying enough.
This is the only film directed by Brian Damude, and I think he could have had a reasonable career in filmmaking had he pursued it beyond this number.
Sudden Fury is Canuxploitation at its best here, and I recommend sitting down blind and just letting the film happen.
Maybe set yourself up with some Wilson's soft drinks first, eh?
No comments:
Post a Comment