Last Embrace 4K 1979 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

“The Last Embrace” (1979) is a tense thriller directed by Jonathan Demme that centers on former CIA agent Harry Hannen (Roy Scheider). After suffering a nervous breakdown caused by the death of his wife during a failed mission, Hannen decides to start a new life. However, shortly after leaving the asylum, he discovers he is being followed and his life is once again threatened. Harry begins to receive mysterious messages and realizes that he has become the target of an unknown enemy. In an attempt to make sense of what is happening, Hannen teams up with Caitlin, a scholar and historian, who helps him unravel a complex web of intrigue and betrayal. As the plot unfolds, the tension builds and the plot twists don't let the viewer relax for a minute. Masterful acting and dynamic direction create an exciting atmosphere, making “The Last Embrace” one of the best thrillers of its time.

Review 4K Movie

A very decent effort from director Jonathan Demme before he went on to better things,LAST EMBRACE is inevitably compared to the works of Alfred Hitchcock,with many scenes derivative from many of the master's most famous works(VERTIGO,THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH,STRANGERS ON A TRAIN,etc.),but this is actually an effective suspenser in it's own right,with an intriguing plot,good performances and an exciting finale.Roy Scheider plays a Secret Agent just released from care after suffering a breakdown after his wife was killed in a shootout in a restaurant.After finding a woman(Janet Margolin)who has moved into his flat,he begins to suspect someone is trying to kill him after sinister messages in Amharic keep turning up.

The film would've been more superior with more humour and better pacing,but nevertheless this isn't at all a bad Hitch imitation,with the bird imagery(a motif Hitchcock used frequently in his films)and a fine musical score by Miklos Rozsa(who had himself worked with Hitchcock on SPELLBOUND)adding to the atmosphere.The performances are fine,especially Ms Margolin,an undervalued and lovely actress who never quite made it to the top,making her character quite pitiable despite her actions.Her early death at the age of 50 in 1993 was indeed a sad loss for a film performer who deserved better.

LAST EMBRACE was made shortly before Hitchcock's death in 1980;one wonders did he ever see this film? If so,I think he would have quite enjoyed the homage on view,not great,but fairly respectful and entertaining.