The 4th Man

Recenly while making room for some new DVDs (I store them alphabetically), I rediscovered an old favorite: The 4th Man. Directed in 1983 by Paul Verhoeven, the director of Basic Instinct, The 4th Man is one of my all-time favorite thrillers.

The plot revolves around a bisexual author named Gerard who is asked to deliver a speech to a group of writers. Gerard ends up falling in lust with a mysterious woman, named Christine, who owns the local beauty parlor. They end up going back to her place, where he learns that the woman's boyfriend, Herman is actually someone he was cruising earlier at the train station. Seeing this as a golden opportunity to meet the object of his affection, he decides to stay a while. He convinces the widow that he can cure her boyfriend's sexual problems, but first she must invite him over. What he doesn't realize though, is Christine has a few secrets of her own...

The movie has a fantastic look throughout, with some jaw-dropping dream sequences and ingenious cinematography. A sensual psychosexual hybrid of Hitchcock and DePalma, the film is loaded with surreal images, red herrings and plenty of violence. Originally shot in Dutch, the DVD offers subtitles and/or dubbing, while the VHS is subtitled in English. Personally, I prefer subtitles when given an option, since I find bad dubbing much more distracting than reading subtitles. BUT, having worked at video stores for years, I know 95% of the populous (at least where I live) consider subtitles grueling work. But then those people wouldn't be renting this movie anyway. Foreign films are like kryptonite to these people. But for those of you out there who enjoy a good, stylish-looking thriller, you're in for a treat.

I have so many favorite scenes, but 2 in particular come to mind immediately:

[1] The crucifixion dream sequence involving Herman in a Speedo (say what?!) and [2] The scene where Gerard and Herman get caught in the rain while in the cemetery. They both retreat to a nearby mausoleum, where they both learn a little something about themselves and Christine. Very sexy.

So, if you enjoy nudity (both male and female), surrealism, violence and suspense, please consider checking out The 4th Man. You'll never look at a pair of scissors the same way again.