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Deathtrap streaming

1982 Movie United States Mystery, Drama, Thriller, Comedy, Crime 116 min Ages 16+
By: Sidney Lumet With: Christopher Reeve, Michael Caine, Irene Worth, Henry Jones, Tony DiBenedetto

To make Sidney's slump all the more painful, Clifford Anderson, a student of one of Sidney's writing seminars, has recently sent his mentor a copy of his first attempt at playwrighting for Sidney's review and advice. The play, "Deathtrap", is a five character, two-act thriller so perfect in its construction that, as Sidney says, "A gifted director couldn't even hurt it." Using his penchant for plot, and out of his desperate desire to once again be the toast of Broadway, Sidney, along with Myra, cook up an almost unthinkable scheme: They'll lure the would-be playwright to the Bruhl home, kill him, and market the sure-fire script as Sidney's own. But shortly after Clifford arrives, it's clear that things are not what they seem. Even Helga Ten Dorp, a nosey psychic from next door, and Porter Milgram, Sidney's observant attorney, can only speculate where the line between truth and deception lies.

Filmium rating
70%

Mood

Dark
Humorous
Mysterious
Thrilling

Cast & Crew

Sidney Lumet
Jay Presson Allen
Ira Levin
Michael Caine
Tony DiBenedetto
Joe Silver
Dyan Cannon
Christopher Reeve
Henry Jones
Irene Worth

Adaptation

Play Adaptation

Budget

Low-Budget

Cinematic Technique

Close-Up Shots
Lighting
Lighting Contrasts
Set Design
Stage-To-Screen Transition
Visual Storytelling

Narrative Structure

Flashback
Stage Play Framing
Twist Ending

Pace

Climactic
Dynamic
Fast-Paced
Slow-Burn
Tension-Building
Urgent

Runtime

Classic Length

Soundtrack

Suspenseful Music
Theatrical Score

Style

Black Comedy
Cinematic
Dark Comedy
Mystery
Stylized
Theatrical

Time-Period

1980S

Central Conflict

Deception
Murder Scheme
Trust Issues

Characters

Playwright
Psychic
Student
Wife

Ending

Stage Murder Scene
Theatrical Climax
Twist Ending

Historical Context

1980S
Theatrical Murder Mystery

Key Plot Points

Cliffhanger
Murder Of Wife
Stage Play Twist

Plot

Ambition
Betrayal
Murder
Murder Plot
Psychological Manipulation
Theatrical Deception

Setting

Dramatic
Long Island Home
Opulent
Secluded
Secluded House

Shooting Location

House
Theatre Stage

Theme

Ambition
Betrayal
Deception
Greed
Trust And Betrayal

Genre

Black Comedy
Mystery
Thriller

Audiences

Adult
Adults
Mystery Enthusiasts
Mystery Fans
Theater Lovers

Titles

Deathtrap

Awards

Golden Raspberry Nomination

Box Office Success

Financial Success

Critical Reception

Ebert'S Praise
Favorable Reviews

Popularity

Cult Following
Notable Gay Plot Element

Ratings

74% Rotten Tomatoes

Reception

Box Office Success
Critical Acclaim
Cult Following
Positive Reviews

Production Countries

United States

Release Year

1982
mowizz ID: 9c490e1d-75d3-4d1c-a54f-e22645e694f0
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