Fade to Black (1980)

 

A shy, lonely film buff embarks on a killing spree against those who browbeat and betray him, all the while stalking his idol, a Marilyn Monroe lookalike.

From memory: An usual thriller with an interesting premise is at times creepy, suspenseful and disturbing; meant as a homage it includes many cinematic references.

Halliwell (no star): "Violent, off-beat thriller that makes black jokes at the expense of movies."

Maltin*1/2: "Interesting idea ruined by excessive violence, poor performance by Christopher. Marilyn Monroe lookalike Kerridge...is like a rose in a cesspool."

 

 

 

Remember My Name (1978)

Just released from prison, a young woman arrives in town to "start a new life", but soon begins stalking a married construction worker for no apparent reason, turning his life inside out and eventually terrorizing him and his wife.

From memory:  Left-field, idiosyncratic, but effective psychological thriller with Chaplin presenting a creepier performance than Perkins.

Halliwell*: "Basically reminiscent of a Barbara Stanwyck vehicle of the forties, this interesting film is finally too concerned to strike on all levels, including satire, social awareness and fashionable pessimism."

Maltin***: "Dreamlike film presents fragmented story...Moody, provocative film definitely not for all tastes..."