Watch Nightmare in the Sun
- 1965
- 1 hr 20 min
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5.6 (157)
Nightmare in the Sun is a 1965 film directed by John Derek and stars John Derek, Aldo Ray, and Arthur O'Connell. The movie is a thriller drama that follows the story of a man who is on the run after killing his wife's lover. Set against the backdrop of the vast emptiness of the desert, the movie explores the protagonist's struggle to evade the law enforcement authorities who are pursuing him and his inner demons, as he tries to come to terms with his actions.
The movie opens with a man named Alex Forrester, played by John Derek, driving through the desert. He stops at a gas station where he meets a woman named Gabrielle, played by Ursula Andress, who is on the run from her abusive husband. After she pleads with him to take her along, he reluctantly agrees and they embark on a journey together. However, things take a dark turn when Alex is haunted by the memory of killing his wife's lover and is constantly on the lookout for the police who are after him. Meanwhile, Gabrielle becomes increasingly attracted to him, and the two realize that they share a bond that transcends their troubled past.
As the movie progresses, it becomes clear that Alex is a deeply troubled man who is wracked with guilt over his actions. He is prone to violent outbursts and volatile mood swings, which make it difficult for Gabrielle to trust him. The tension between the two heightens as they encounter a small town sheriff, played by Aldo Ray, who becomes suspicious of their intentions. This leads to a tense standoff between the two men, and it is up to Gabrielle to mediate and find a way for them to escape.
Throughout the movie, the rugged and desolate landscape of the desert serves as a metaphor for the starkness of the human condition. It is a place where people go to escape their troubles and confront their inner demons, but it is also a place that can be unforgiving and merciless. In this sense, the desert becomes a character in its own right, shaping the fates of the people who pass through it.
At its heart, Nightmare in the Sun is a story about redemption and the power of human connection. Both Alex and Gabrielle are flawed individuals who are trying to find their place in the world, and their shared experiences bring them closer together. The movie is a slow burn, with tension building gradually as the story unfolds. The performances by the actors are excellent, with John Derek in particular giving a nuanced and powerful portrayal of a man struggling with his past.
Overall, Nightmare in the Sun is an overlooked gem from the 1960s that deserves more attention. It is a haunting and thought-provoking movie that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the human condition. The stark beauty of the desert serves as a stunning backdrop to the story, and the performances by the actors are top-notch. If you are a fan of suspenseful dramas, this movie is definitely worth checking out.