Watch Windows

Windows is a 1980 American drama film directed by Gordon Willis and starring Talia Shire, Joe Cortese, and Elizabeth Ashley. The movie focuses on Emily Hollander, a woman struggling to redefine herself after leaving her husband. Emily finds solace in her new relationship with Andrea Glassen, a young artist who is also her neighbor in the same apartment building. However, Emily's ex-husband John is trying to win her back and he won't take no for an answer.

The movie opens with Emily (played by Talia Shire) leaving her husband, taking only a small suitcase and a few personal belongings. She moves into a small apartment in a high-rise building in New York City, where she works as an executive editor for a publishing company. She is immediately drawn to her new neighbor, Andrea Glassen (played by Elizabeth Ashley), who is also an artist. The two women bond over their shared love of art and find comfort in each other's company.

As Emily and Andrea's relationship deepens, Emily starts to come out of her shell and explore her own artistic side. Andrea encourages her to attend art shows and even shows her some of her own work. Meanwhile, John (played by Joseph Cortese) is not taking Emily's departure lightly. He starts calling her at work and appearing at her apartment unannounced, much to Emily's discomfort. He also hires a private investigator to follow her and report back to him.

Through it all, Emily tries to navigate her new life as a single woman in a big city. She struggles with insecurities about her age and attractiveness, and worries about the impact her relationship with Andrea will have on her job and reputation. Andrea, for her part, seems self-assured and confident, but there are hints of past trauma and a troubled relationship with her mother that cast a shadow over her seemingly carefree demeanor.

As Emily and Andrea's relationship heats up, John becomes more and more threatening. He shows up at Emily's apartment drunk and tries to force his way in. He also confronts her at her office and tries to get her fired. In a dramatic climax, Emily finds herself in danger and must fight for her safety and her independence.

Windows is a slow-burning drama that explores themes of self-discovery, sexuality, and the nature of relationships. Talia Shire gives a strong performance as a woman who is trying to take control of her life after years of being controlled by her husband. Elizabeth Ashley is equally impressive as the adventurous artist who helps Emily find joy in unexpected places. The film is also notable for its thoughtful exploration of LGBT themes at a time when such topics were still taboo in mainstream cinema.

Gordon Willis, who is best known for his work as a cinematographer on classics like The Godfather and Annie Hall, directs with a steady hand, allowing the characters and their relationships to take center stage. The film's muted color palette and moody musical score add to the sense of melancholy and introspection that permeates the story.

While Windows may not be a well-known classic, it is a thoughtful and well-crafted drama that deserves to be remembered. Its nuanced portrayal of queer relationships and its focus on the emotional struggles of its characters make it a film that feels as relevant today as it did when it was released over 40 years ago.

Windows is a 1980 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.