Visiting Hours - A Hospital Stay You Won't Forget

A Bloody Good Time (in a Bad Way)

Ever feel like your therapist is judging your life choices? Well, imagine *that* therapist is a deranged killer with a penchant for scalpels. That's essentially the premise of *Visiting Hours*, a 1982 horror-thriller (Director not credited...the mystery deepens!) where a journalist's bad day gets significantly worse. This review will dissect the film's highs and lows, proving that sometimes, even a bad movie can be... entertainingly bad.

Synopsis: When Checking Out Means Checking Out of Life

A journalist (Linda Purl, looking remarkably chic for someone dodging a murderous maniac) is viciously attacked by a misogynistic killer (Michael Ironside, chewing scenery with gusto). Believing he's succeeded in his homicidal endeavors, he heads off to… well, he heads off to the hospital. Because that's where survivors conveniently reside. Oops! He discovers she survived. Cue the second act, which is basically a hospital-based game of cat-and-mouse, leaving plenty of room for suspense. Or, you know, potential escape routes.

Technical Thrills and Chills (Mostly Chills)

The cinematography is appropriately tense, using shadows and claustrophobic settings to amplify the horror. The film relies more on atmosphere than elaborate gore, which is a refreshing change (not that there's no gore, just not enough to turn your stomach into a kaleidoscope). It's like a suspenseful waltz with the camera occasionally slipping on a puddle of blood.

Performances: Screams and Shrieks, and Subtlety Too

Linda Purl brings a vulnerability to her role that makes her survival both believable and nail-biting. Michael Ironside, however, is the undisputed star here; he fully embodies the unsettling intensity of a man unburdened by empathy. Lee Grant provides a strong supporting performance as a hospital psychiatrist... someone perhaps more prepared for the situation than the hospital security.

Themes: More Than Just a Slasher Flick

While the film primarily focuses on the cat-and-mouse game, it subtly touches on themes of misogyny and the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society. It's not exactly a groundbreaking social commentary, but it's surprisingly present given the genre. Consider it a horror film with a slightly more contemplative side...like a horror film that's taken up journaling.

Final Verdict: A Surprisingly Engaging Watch

*Visiting Hours* is not a masterpiece of cinematic brilliance, yet its gripping narrative and solid performances elevate it above typical slasher fare. Ironside's chilling portrayal alone makes it worth a watch, proving that sometimes, a perfectly-timed "psychopath stare" can go a long way. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars (the extra 2.7 stars probably hid somewhere in the hospital). Recommended for: Fans of 80s horror thrillers, those who enjoy a suspenseful watch, and anyone who appreciates a really good villain performance. In conclusion, *Visiting Hours* is less a cinematic masterpiece and more a thrilling hospital-based jaunt that proves that even in the realm of slasher films, some creativity—and terrifying villains—can create a surprisingly enjoyable (albeit somewhat bloody) experience.

Note : 5/5

Publié le 19 Jan 2025