Der Fanatiker (1981)
7KDer Fanatiker: Directed by Ed Bianchi. With Lauren Bacall, James Garner, Maureen Stapleton, Hector Elizondo. Douglas, a record salesman, is an obsessive fan of actress Sally Ross. When his letters are rejected, he strikes out at her and her loved ones.
“Psychotic loser (Michael Biehn) is obsessed with aging stage actress (Lauren Bacall). His obsession turns deadly when he feels rejected by her. Admittedly this isnu0026#39;t a great movie and most of its value comes from unintended comedy. But thatu0026#39;s something at least. This was Lauren Bacallu0026#39;s last starring role in a major film. She looks good for her age. She is often cited as one of the movieu0026#39;s flaws, with her critics saying her acting style is outdated and not in sync with her co-stars. While I can see where theyu0026#39;re getting that, I think itu0026#39;s an overstated criticism. Sheu0026#39;s not Norma Desmond, for crying out loud.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe movie is essentially just a minor slasher flick with pretensions of being a more respectable thriller. Michael Biehnu0026#39;s stalker character is less scary than comedic. One canu0026#39;t help but laugh at some of the cringeworthy lines Biehn is given in this film (u0026quot;We will be lovers very soon, my darling. And believe me, I have all the necessary equipment to make you very very happy.u0026quot;). And those musical numbers! Oh brother what were they thinking? Itu0026#39;s pretty ridiculous trash but enjoyable on some level. Notable for perhaps being the only movie in which Lauren Bacall makes a booty call (to James Garner, no less).”
