Cape Fear (1962)
Directed by: J. Lee Thompson
CF62
Cape Fear (1991)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
CF91
I originally viewed Cape Fear in reverse. I saw CF91 before CF62. As I prepared to finally write this. I rewatched it as CF62 and CF91. This rewatch painted CF62 in a different light and added a favorable rating.
They both are riddled with suspense. They both tell the story effectively. With some differences, I will further highlight.
The casting is excellent for both versions. In both, Cady shows interest in the daughter of the counselor. In both, the dog 🐕 is poisoned.
I think they both bring something uniquely tense to the story. The scene where the family hopes to evade Cady (Dinero) is seen underneath the car. That scene still shocks me. It's creepy. I have now seen CF91 and each time I jump in suspense with this scene. Additionally, the way he fawns over Juliette Lewis is gross. He definitely adds tension to the atmosphere of the film.
However, with the original scene where the daughter is stalked at the school by Cady, it is equally as tense and unnerving. The mood set and score it aids the pin drop suspense.
There's more bloodshed in CF91 vs. CF62. There's also the fact that the counselor is having an affair. Cady attacks the woman the counselor is cheating on his wife with. Lewis also adds a lens of frailty to her character.
I feel, however, that they both are equally are on the same level for me. I can't decide which of the two I prefer. The one thing I liked about the original was that the counselor really got Cady in the end. By that, I mean he left him to rot in prison, which is how this all begin in the first place. It's a perfect ending!
I think they both add something rather specific and unique to the story. That Cady is a creep who can really hold a grudge.
*Edited*
I think now after I initially shared this on my Instagram page several months ago I can truly reflect on these films.
When I originally viewed these movies I felt the original was the weaker of the two. With time to think about the movies and review it with a fresher perspective it grows on me more with each rewatch. There's no denying that Scorsese's adaption is different and it is equally as tense. The 62 version has a subtle suspense and that leads to you dropping down your guard. Mitchum was equally as unnerving as Dinero. They both brought this character to life and made Cady the villain that feels inescapable. His choices of tormenting the counselor are horrible and you wonder how can he push this just a hair or more higher. He does!
I think the supporting cast also helps the narrative of the story. The wife's in both films and the daughter of course. Each as I mentioned has it's unique perspective. I truly feel after forgetting about this review how effective the suspense in these thrillers are.
The tension of having your privacy taken from you and the feeling of feeling caught with no way out. Cady is a horrible villain one often overlooked in discussion's of villains. He's menacing. He's gross. He's everything challenging to the counselor. You wonder if the codes the counselor stands on will falter. I like each versions ending. It feels fitting to the counselor. I also liked that Peck and Mitchum made an appearance in 91.
This film Cape Fear is an excellent thriller. I have nothing more to add.
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