Sunday, March 18, 2018

THE MANIPULATOR 1971 (ALPHA)

One of the oddest damn movies I have ever seen.

Mickey Rooney stars as a demented former makeup man named B.J. Lang who keeps a woman hostage in an old abandoned studio. He proceeds to force her to act in his private play of Cyrano De Bergerac.

Luana Anders is Carlotta, the hapless woman who spends a good deal of time tied to a wheelchair. Keenan Wynn also appears in a small role as Charlie, but his character is killed off quickly.

Rooney has been in some bizarre movies in the past, but this one easily takes the cake. This is a three person movie and even though Anders does an excellent job as Carlotta, it is Rooney who rules the roost here.

Both characters slowly fall into madness and there are some scenes in this film that will make your jaw drop. I have read many, many things about this film and most people claim this to be an unwatchable piece of garbage. I strongly disagree.

Films like this are not for everyone, but they are unique. For three actors and minimal sets, I'd say this study in insanity turned out very well. If you get a chance see this oddity. You haven't lived until you hear Rooney sing Chattanooga Choo Choo and watch Anders have visions of Rooney's character moving in fast motion!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

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