Watch Paranoiac

Paranoiac, a British psychological thriller film directed by Freddie Francis and produced by Hammer Film Productions, was released in 1963. The movie stars Janette Scott, Oliver Reed, and Sheila Burrell in leading roles. The film's screenplay, written by Jimmy Sangster, features some intense and gripping suspense, alongside dramatic performances by the actors, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy thriller films.

The movie tells the story of Simon Ashby (Oliver Reed), a young man who has inherited vast wealth and an enormous country estate, following his family's tragic demise. After committing suicide of his parents, Simon is left with a dark past and harbors some deep-seated emotional issues.

His sister Eleanor (Janette Scott), a young and innocent girl, is away from home, staying with some distant relatives. Simon is convinced that his sister is still alive and begins to experience some strange encounters that make him question everything about his past. He is convinced that someone is trying to kill him, perhaps his sister, who he believes is out to get him.

His fears and suspicions are further intensified after Eleanor comes back home, and he becomes entangled in a series of events that seem to be leading to his impending doom. He discovers that Eleanor has been carrying on with another man, Tony (Alexander Davion), who is not what he appears to be. Simon becomes increasingly paranoid and convinced that his sister and Tony are conspiring against him.

As the plot unfolds, Simon's dark and violent past is slowly revealed, and the audience is taken on a thrilling ride of suspense and intrigue.

One of the standout features of the movie is its use of suspense and the constant feeling of dread that is creeping up on Simon. Director Freddie Francis expertly creates a moody and atmospheric environment that brilliantly captures the intensity of Simon's paranoia.

The performances of the three leading actors also add to the film's excellence. Oliver Reed, Janette Scott, and Sheila Burrell, who plays Aunt Harriet, are fantastic in their respective roles, and their chemistry translates well onto the screen. Reed's portrayal of Simon, a tormented and emotionally unstable young man, is particularly noteworthy, and he manages to create a sense of sympathy for the character while also making him seem genuinely scary.

The movie's cinematography and production design are also worth mentioning. The film features some impressive camera work, especially in the scenes where Simon is experiencing hallucinations, and the set design perfectly captures the gothic atmosphere of the movie.

With its gripping plot, excellent performances, and masterful direction, Paranoiac is an intense and thrilling psychological thriller that is a must-watch for fans of the genre. Even after all these years, the film still holds up well and is considered a classic in its own right.

Paranoiac is a 1963 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.