There are two very important reasons (among others) why Clint Eastwood’s classic 1971 shocker Play Misty for Me is historical. First, it was the legendary actor’s directorial debut. And second, it was the first film to feature a female stalker, something that was never heard of at the time. With Misty, Eastwood perhaps unknowingly unleashed a whole new film subgenre.
Buy Play Misty for Me 4K UHDHe plays Dave Garver, a popular radio disc jockey who receives constant on-air requests from a seductive female fan named Evelyn Draper (the late, great Jessica Walter in an iconic performance). After she and Dave meet at his favorite hotspot, the two have a brief affair. However, he only thinks it was a simple one-night stand, but Evelyn wants something more. When Dave tries to end the relationship, Evelyn gets pissed off. Things gets much worse when Tobie (Donna Miles), Dave’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, comes into picture.
Obviously, you can see how Misty inspired a slew of imitations (especially Fatal Attraction, Misery, and Swinfan), but it all began here. Despite those later films’ successes and/or awards, they lack the subtlety and delicacy that Misty has. There’s a solid amount of unnerving suspense that hits you when least expect it. Misty also contains one of the most chilling moments I’ve ever seen in film history, which involves Birdie (Clarice Taylor of TV’s The Cosby Show), Dave’s sassy housekeeper. I don’t want to spoil this moment (although the film is now 44 years old and many of you fellow film addicts have probably seen it by now) but once the scene ends, it’s impossible to forget.
Eastwood was destined to add “influential filmmaker” to his resume after this film. Of course, he’s made many other amazing films like Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, and Mystic River, but his craft will always trace back to his first cinematic baby.
Making its 4K UHD debut, the Kino release seems to have a good number of special features. There’s a brand-new commentary by screenwriter/producer Alan Spencer; commentary by novelist and critic Tim Lucas (from the previous Blu-ray release); interview with Mills; video essay by film historian Howard S. Berger; Play It Again… A Look Back at Play Misty for Me documentary; Trailers from Hell segment with writer/director Adam Rifkin; and more.
If you’re a big fan of Eastwood and suspense thrillers, pick up a copy of this modern-day classic. Let it be a cautionary tale too.
Other notable releases:
Funny Girl (Criterion): Barbra Streisand’s brilliant, Oscar-winning film debut highlights William Wyler’s musical epic about renowned comedienne Fanny Brice’s meteoric rise to fame, but also doomed romance with her first husband, gambler Nicky Arnstein (Omar Sharif).
A Simple Plan (Arrow): Sam Raimi’s expert neo-noir starring the late, great Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton as two brothers, along with their friend (Brent Briscoe), who discover a crashed plane with two things in it — a dead pilot, and a stash of more than $4 million. They devise a plan to split the money, which leads to their eventual downfall. Also starring Bridget Fonda.
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus (Criterion/Janus): A concert film featuring legendary composer and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, who unfortunately passed away last year at age 71 from cancer.
All the Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium of Folk Horror Vol. 2 (1952-2024) (Severin): A new, second box set featuring more astounding classics of folk horror.
