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Scalpel is a 1977 thriller/horror movie that follows the story of a plastic surgeon named Dr. Phillip Reynolds, played by Robert Lansing. The movie is set in the southern United States during the late 1970s, and it revolves around Dr. Reynolds' obsession with his former lover, Heather, who happens to be the wife of a wealthy businessman.

The movie opens with Dr. Reynolds being fired from his job after performing unauthorized surgeries on his patients. Heather, who used to be his patient, is deeply disturbed by his firing and urges him to join her in New Orleans, where she promises to support him financially. Upon arriving there, Dr. Reynolds discovers that Heather has brought him to perform a rather challenging surgery on her disfigured sister, Marylee. Her sister was horribly burned in a car accident and needs facial reconstruction surgery.

However, as the movie progresses, it becomes clear that Heather's motives for bringing Dr. Reynolds to New Orleans may not be as simple as they seem. It turns out that Heather has been manipulating Dr. Reynolds for quite some time and has planned a very elaborate scheme to replace her sister, Marylee, with her own daughter, Heather (played by Judith Chapman).

The rest of the movie is spent unraveling this complicated and horrifying plot. Dr. Reynolds finds himself being pulled into Heather's madness and is forced to play a vital role in her scheme to deceive her husband and family. Meanwhile, Marylee's mental instability escalates as she begins to suspect the worst about her sister's intentions.

Throughout the movie, the themes of obsession, deception, and betrayal are heavily explored. Dr. Reynolds' obsession with Heather, Heather's obsession with her daughter, and Marylee's obsession with her sister all weave together to create an intense and disturbing narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

One of the most striking aspects of Scalpel is its use of lighting and sound design. The movie was shot using a lot of shadow and darkness, which gives it a dark and eerie atmosphere. The music and sound effects also add to this tone, creating a haunting and unnerving feeling that stays with the viewer long after the movie is over.

Another highlight of Scalpel is its stellar cast. Robert Lansing, in particular, delivers a fantastic performance as the troubled Dr. Reynolds. His portrayal of a man caught up in his own obsession and desperation is nuanced and captivating. Judith Chapman also does an excellent job playing two very different roles: the conniving, manipulative Heather, and the innocent and vulnerable Heather.

Overall, Scalpel is a gripping and disturbing thriller that explores the darker aspects of human nature. Its themes of obsession, deceit, and betrayal are as relevant today as they were in 1977. Despite being more than 40 years old, the movie still holds up as a powerful and suspenseful piece of cinema.

Scalpel is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.