Watch The Medusa Touch
- PG
- 1978
- 1 hr 45 min
-
6.9 (7,665)
The Medusa Touch is a suspenseful thriller from 1978, directed by Jack Gold and starring Richard Burton, Lee Remick, and Lino Ventura. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by Peter Van Greenaway. The plot revolves around John Morlar (Richard Burton), a writer who possesses a rare power: he can make things happen just by thinking about them. However, this power comes at a great cost, as it has led Morlar to become a bitter and disillusioned man. At the beginning of the movie, Morlar is found lying in a pool of blood, apparently having attempted suicide. As the investigation into Morlar's life and death unfolds, it becomes clear that his power may have been responsible for a series of horrific disasters that have been occurring around the world.
Lee Remick plays Dr. Zonfeld, a psychiatrist who is tasked with investigating Morlar's mental state. She begins to unravel the cause of Morlar's misery by analyzing his past, from his childhood in Ireland to his estrangement from his father. Along the way, she meets Brunel (Lino Ventura), a French detective who is also investigating the case, and the two of them form an unlikely partnership as they try to uncover the truth behind Morlar's strange abilities and the disaster that he may have caused.
The film alternates between scenes of Morlar's past and his present, as we are gradually given insight into the source of his power and the nature of his tragedy. The story builds to a powerful climax in which all the pieces of the puzzle finally fall into place, with shocking consequences for all involved.
The Medusa Touch is a movie that is both thought-provoking and suspenseful. It raises complex questions about the nature of power and responsibility, as well as the possibility of human beings being able to control their own destinies. It also offers a thrilling mystery that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat, with unexpected plot twists that are sure to surprise even the most jaded moviegoer.
Richard Burton delivers a powerhouse performance as Morlar, capturing both his bitterness and his pathos with equal force. Lee Remick and Lino Ventura are equally excellent as the two investigators who are drawn deeper into Morlar's world. The cinematography is also outstanding, with moody lighting and shadowy images that reinforce the film's themes of darkness and despair.
While the movie may be a bit slow-paced at times, it is never dull. It is a masterful example of psychological suspense, with a complex plot that will leave viewers guessing until the very end. Ultimately, The Medusa Touch is a movie that rewards close attention and careful consideration, and it stands as a testament to the enduring power of the thriller genre.
The Medusa Touch is a 1978 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 49.