Mein Bruder Kain (1992)

Mein Bruder Kain: Directed by Brian De Palma. With John Lithgow, Lolita Davidovich, Steven Bauer, Frances Sternhagen. The oncologist wife of a prominent child psychologist suspects her husband has an unhealthy scientific obsession with their child, unaware of what – or who – is really going on inside his head.

“This has a seemingly convoluted plot. Carter (et al., played exceptionally well by John Lithgow) begins to grow strange when he learns that his wife is having an affair with her ex. He becomes more obsessed with their young daughter and a rash of kidnapping/ killings occur. His wife (Lolita Davidovich) must figure out if he is behind the crimes or if his u0026quot;deadu0026quot; father, who committed experiments on children to develop multiple personality disorders, is to blame. Whew…u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhat makes this film interesting, other than the above-stated reasons, is that they give away one of the twists at the very first scene. The audience is already aware that Carter has multiple personalities. What makes it more intriguing is that de Palma tricks the audience with constant flashbacks, dream sequences, and appearances made by u0026quot;deadu0026quot; people that are not really dead.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film starts a tad slow during the first 15 minutes and seems Lifetime Channel worthy. But as the film progresses, it gets trippier and more Hitchcockian (paranoid, obsessive, and voyeuristic with a knock out ending). Oddly enough, this is rated u0026quot;Ru0026quot;, but for very little reason. There is no nudity, minimal sex, minimal violence, and no gore at all. Most of the violence is implied and the tension comes from the suspense built by de Palma, the disturbing subject matter, and dark atmosphere. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThere are a few standout scenes that will creep the viewer out. My favorite was the hospital scene. It literally had me sinking into my couch as this thing slowly turns towards me. It scared the bejesus out of me and had me rewinding to catch a glimpse again. Other noteworthy scenes include the interrogation scene where Lithgow weaves in and out of his different personalities and the ending that is incredibly reminiscent of u0026quot;Dressed to Killu0026quot;.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eFavorite Quote: u0026quot;Hickory dickory dock. Cain has picked his lock. He did a bad deed and Josh comes to bleed. Hickory dickory dock.u0026quot;u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDVD Extras: The barebones from Universal. Only Brief Production Notes and Original Trailer.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBottom Line: A great psychological thriller. Gorehounds should pass though. A must for de Palma and Hitchcock fans.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eRating: 7/10”