#5. Cape Fear (1991)

Cape Fear is a remake of the original “Cape Fear” from 1962, which starred Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum. This is Martin Scorsese’s first film after finishing the incredible GoodFellas, and while it’s nowhere near as masterful as that picture, it still stands as one of the best remakes ever made. Robert De Niro’s performance as ex-con Max Cady is riveting, and Scorsese’s masterful direction is in full effect here.

Nick Nolte plays Sam Bowden, a lawyer and family man, whose family is in danger after convicted rapist Max Cady (Robert De Niro) is released from prison. He believes (correctly) that Sam provided a lousy defense for him that landed him a 15 year stretch in prison, and now he’s out for revenge on Sam.

Max Cady is the stand-out feature of this film. He is menacing, psychotic, and in some scenes, even likable. He’s in great shape, has religious tatoos all over his body, and a strong southern accent. Anytime he’s on-screen the mood changes. He’s just a man, but it feels like he’s something more. Like a monster in a horror movie. A sense of danger looms over his scenes, even when in public and broad daylight. Robert De Niro proves once again, that he is one of the most versatile actors of all time here.

Bernard Herrmann’s score from the original Cape Fear has been adapted and arranged by Elmer Bernstein (another legendary musician) to great effect. It’s haunting and captivating, and makes some of the great scenes even greater. You can tell Martin Scorsese was having fun making this picture, utilizing some very unique, and inventive shots. He’s unmatched when it comes to pulling the viewer in, and immersing them into the film’s world.

Cape Fear is a wonderful noir thriller, with rock solid performances (especially from De Niro) and a brilliant score. Some may say that the film’s climax is kind of ‘traditional’, but I had a lot of fun with it. Martin Scorsese never lets me down. I highly recommend checking it out.

Trailer

 

NIGHTNIGHT by DEDDY