Watch Night Watch
- PG
- 1973
- 1 hr 39 min
-
6.3 (2,271)
Night Watch is a gripping psychological thriller directed by Brian G. Hutton and released in 1973. The film stars Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Harvey, and Billie Whitelaw in the lead roles. The story revolves around Ellen Wheeler (Elizabeth Taylor), a wealthy woman who is emotionally unstable and prone to hallucinations. She has recently married John Wheeler (Laurence Harvey), a successful businessman, who is concerned about her mental state. Ellen is convinced that someone is watching her every move, and she insists on having the lights on at all times, and keeping the curtains closed.
When John goes on a business trip, Ellen is left alone in their expansive London home. One night, she sees a dead body lying in the abandoned house next door, and becomes convinced that she is being targeted by a serial killer. She contacts the police, but they find no evidence to support her claims. Her friends and family suspect that her imagination is getting the best of her, and that she is simply seeking attention.
Ellen's mental state continues to deteriorate, and soon she is unable to distinguish between reality and paranoia. She begins to suspect that her husband is behind the conspiracy to drive her insane, and that he has hired a killer to dispose of her. However, as the story unfolds, we learn that there is more to this twisted tale than meets the eye.
Elizabeth Taylor delivers a powerful performance as Ellen Wheeler, portraying her character's descent into madness with great conviction. Her expressions, mannerisms, and dialogues convey the fear, confusion, and anxiety of a woman haunted by her own demons. Laurence Harvey, as John Wheeler, is equally impressive in his portrayal of a successful businessman who is torn between his love for his wife and his commitment to his business.
Billie Whitelaw, in the role of Sarah Cooke, Ellen's confidant and best friend, provides a much-needed balance to the otherwise intense and dramatic narrative. She is a calming presence, who tries to make sense of Ellen's delusions while also protecting her from harm.
The cinematography, music, and editing of Night Watch all work together seamlessly to create a haunting yet beautiful portrayal of a woman on the brink of insanity. The use of shadows, reflections, and close-ups in certain scenes adds an element of suspense and tension to the film.
Overall, Night Watch is a compelling psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It is not a typical horror film where the scares come from outside sources, but instead, it delves deep into the innermost fears and insecurities of its central character. The film showcases the talents of some of the finest actors of their generation and is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Night Watch is a 1973 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.