Runtime: 118 minutes
Directed by: Roy Boulting
Starring: Hayley Mills, Hywel Bennett, Russell Napier, Robin Parkinson, Frank Finlay
From: British Lion/National General Pictures
I understand why this is difficult to track down in the United States. I’ve known of Twisted Nerve for awhile, the main reason being not its theme but, let’s say, controversial plot devices. The Bowels of the Internet had to be visited once again to view a copy of the film. You see, this is the only film I know of where a random voice gives a disclaimer, and it is an incredible disclaimer:
“In view of the controversy already aroused, the producers of this film wish to re-emphasize what is already stated in the film, that there is no established scientific connection between mongolism and psychotic or criminal behavior.”
To clarify, mongolism is an antiquated term for… Down Syndrome. You see, lead character Martin is implied to have mental illness because his brother has Down Syndrome so perhaps there’s a link between chromosomal defects—YIKES in 1968, let alone 2024. To be fair, the alternate theory that Martin became psychotic because his mother smothered him w/ love was also presented. That duly noted, Twisted Nerve also presents rather dated views on such topics as repressed homosexuality and autism-no way can I defend that but I hope it’s just a combination of callousness and ignorance that led to the usage of such ideas.
Thing is, the movie is a wild ride that I greatly enjoyed. A key aspect is that I was unsure in which outrageous direction Twisted Nerve would go, and there are some outrageous moments. Martin is at the age of 22 yet is rather listless in life, seemingly only caring for his brother Pete, who is in an institution. Here’s another moment which has aged poorly: the lead doctor at the institution noted that Pete “wasn’t house-trained”, as if he’s comparable to a dog. I’d like to think that those with Down Syndrome are treated far better now than in the 60’s.
As he had a big row with his step-father, he meets Susan (Hayley Mills), and becomes obsessed. It becomes really creepy when he decides to adopt a Georgie persona; Georgie is someone who is mentally handicapped… not in a Simple Jack way (to use a crude yet effective means of comparison) but acts like a child. This leads to many disturbing moments as he ingratiates his way into her life. Eventually, the other shoe does drop.
The film was funnier than expected, and I mean intentional laughs. Barry Foster’s Gerry lives at the same boardinghouse as Susan and is a rather blunt cad. So was Billie Whitelaw’s sexually repressed character. I understand that Hitchcock cast them both in Frenzy because of their work here. Yet it was Mills and Hywel Bennett who were the highlight playing their respective characters. What a journey this psychological thriller took.
One element from this movie that many would know: the theme from Bernard Herrmann. Tarantino was a fan; that’s why it’s heard in Kill Bill AND Death Proof. Not everyone will enjoy how bold this film is. For me, it was bold & effective—although be forewarned that there are other dated/stereotypical moments I failed to mention.
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