Watch Death Watch
- R
- 1980
- 2 hr 8 min
-
6.6 (3,534)
Death Watch is a 1980 science fiction film directed by Bertrand Tavernier. The film takes place in a dystopian future where technology has advanced to the point where people are constantly being monitored and recorded. The movie tells the story of Roddy, a television journalist who is given access to a revolutionary new camera that is capable of capturing the last moments of a person's life. Roddy is tasked with using the camera to follow a woman named Katherine, who is dying from an incurable disease.
The film stars Romy Schneider as Katherine, Harvey Keitel as Roddy, and Harry Dean Stanton as her husband, who is unaware that she is being filmed. Schneider delivers a powerhouse performance as Katherine, capturing the hopelessness and desperation of a woman facing her own mortality. Keitel is also impressive as Roddy, who begins to question the ethics of his job as he becomes more personally involved with Katherine.
The film is visually stunning, with gorgeous cinematography that captures the cold, clinical atmosphere of the future world in which the story takes place. The use of handheld cameras and naturalistic lighting adds to the film's realism, making the viewer feel like they are right there in the room with the characters.
The themes of Death Watch are timeless, exploring the ethical dilemmas that arise when we cross the line between observer and participant in another person's life. The film asks important questions about the value of privacy, the role of the media in society, and the way we choose to live our lives in the face of death.
Overall, Death Watch is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it. The performances are top-notch, the cinematography is breathtaking, and the themes are as relevant today as they were when the film was first released. Whether you're a fan of science fiction or not, this is a film that is well worth your time.
Death Watch is a 1980 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.