Sisters [DVD]

7.0 is quite a measly score on IMDb, for such a good Brian de Palma film and as for a debut, well, it's intelligent, suspenseful and different, though its nods to the Master, Hitchcock are both critically recognised and acclaimed.Also known as 'Blood Sisters', the movie also encroaches (to my mind) on David Cronenberg's territory, especially during the superbly executed and creepy fantasy sequence. It'll have you guessing right to the end - and beyond, it has red herrings and both clarity and obliqueness in spades.Yes, it does look typically 1970's US crime drama, the fashion and the gas guzzling cars but it remains extremely watchable, now, almost 40 years on. What is also quite remarkable is that De Palma co-wrote the screenplay and the story is an involved one and rather unsettlingly, an almost believable one. That cannot be said for the vast majority of crime horror-thrillers.Quebec actress/model Danielle (or should that be Dominique? her conjoined sister, who was surgically separated at the hip from her Siamese Twin), has a one-night stand with a black man she meets. In true 'Rear Window' fashion, an ambitious journalist, (played by Jennifer Salt) who's had reason to write unfavourable pieces about the police, dials 911, after the victim staggers to a window opposite hers and scrawls 'help' in blood on the glass.There's always a shadowy and creepy character hanging about. Dominique (Danielle?) always states that he's her ex husband but we soon find out that Emil Breton (Bill Finley) is actually the very surgeon who carried out the separation. Nothing much more needs to be said on this, or any other part of the story, to not spoil or give too much away. However, smarmy, thick spectacled Mr Breton has an uncanny resemblance to Donald Sutherland, or at least the type of individual he might portray.There's De Palma's splashes of flashy, but interesting direction, such as a very effective split screens. There's the right amount of suspense and whilst it doesn't reach the heights of the classic Carrie, nor the sheer directorial aplomb of his The Untouchables, 'Sisters' is a pretty fine film and at the now bargain price the DVD is, there are no excuses for De Palma fans, or even Hitch's, indeed anyone who enjoys a decent and clever horror-thriller to not indulge.This was my second viewing; the first having been on TV a long time ago.

This PATHE 2006 release is a must for De Palma fans, and those who may not be too familiar with his work. He does attract differing opinions, but I think he is a great filmaker, even tho he suffers from comparison to Hitchcock - but then - he does ask for that - just a bit. "Sisters" is so full of twists and turns that to even try and describe the basic plot can give away too much. Suffice to say it's about "Sisters", Murder Most Foul, and lots of mystery. A weird "out there" performence from Margot Kidder carries it along, and she is well supported by Jennifer Salt, Dolph Sweet as a detective, and Charles Durning. After a slow build up it never really lets up right up to it's effective climax. An excellent print and price all help. Recomended, and I so very nearly gave it 5 stars. Perhaps I should!?

Sisters is a brilliant and crazy Brian De Palma thriller. If you love his other unusual thrillers like Blow Out, Raising Cain and Body Double then you'll definately enjoy Sisters. If you enjoy Hitchcock films like Psycho, Rear Window, Rope and Frenzy then I'm pretty certain you'll also appreciate this film also as it's clearly inspired by them. There's also an excellent score by Bernard Herrmann who worked on Hitchcock films and later did the excellent Taxi Driver score. The film is very rewatchable, and watching it for a second time you get to feel even more scared as it builds up to a particuarly nasty scene. The cast which include Margot Kidder and Charles Durning are perfect and the film has some really mad moments for them to get involved with.The DVD is brilliant quality.

This isn't De Palma's finest work but it is Margot Kidders'. The story is, in retrospect, rather predictable until the final reel, which is superb - echoes of Cronenberg's 'The Brood' here. Flatmates Kidder and Jennifer Salt are hugely underrated, but perhaps they didn't have great material or dialogue to work with in those days.De Palma is still working out his directing chops, which were to flourish so well in Carrie, Dressed to Kill and Carlito's Way (All five stars). Here. he's still homaging his mentor, Hitchcock, but he seems to be taking ideas from Frenzy or the Birds, rather than Psycho. A curio pice, work a look, but not much more - except for Kidders coy and sexy French Canadian Accent.

typical brian de palma film.with lots of split screen ,voyeurism and violencethis film was made in 1973 ,original titel blood sisters.not an instant classic as carrie,scarface and the untouchables.