Bunny Lake Is Missing

Bunny Lake Is Missing is a suspenseful drama that swirls together psychological intrigue, heart-pounding mystery, and a portrait of emotional turmoil. This English art-house film, released in 1965, was expertly directed by Otto Preminger and stars Keir Dullea, Carol Lynley, and a formidable Laurence Olivier.

The story centers on Ann Lake, perfectly portrayed by Carol Lynley, an American recently relocated to London along with her four-year-old daughter, Bunny, and her brother, Steven Lake (Keir Dullea). The Lake family's journey begins with Ann dropping Bunny off for her first day at a new preschool. However, when she returns to pick up her daughter in the afternoon, nobody at the school can remember Bunny being there in the first place. Devastated and panicking, Ann reports the disappearance to the police and the film becomes a gripping exploration of vanishing innocence and sanity.

The police superintendent on the case, Newhouse, played by the esteemed Laurence Olivier, begins to investigate but quickly becomes suspicious when tangible evidence of Bunny’s existence seems curiously absent. From the child's supposed belongings at school, to the scant evidence at Ann's new apartment, doubt gradually creeps in, making it an incredibly intense and psychological puzzle with each uncovered layer peeling back to reveal raw truths and fears.

Set against the backdrop of moody, mid-1960s London, this film does not just serve up a conventional mystery, it also navigates an eerie psychological seascape that brims with unexpected turns. The tension is further amplified by an impressive score from Paul Glass, his orchestration shimmers with disquieting undertones, adding to the insidious feeling of unreality.

The performances throughout the film are nothing short of compelling; Keir Dullea, fresh from his role in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, dives into the complexity of Steven's character with real depth, grounding the film amidst its atmospheric suspense. Newcomer Carol Lynley shines as the frantic and apprehensive Ann, her performance building with each scene and revealing a fraught desperation as she struggles with the disappearance of her daughter. Lucie Mannheim also turns out a memorable act as the School's eccentric principal. However, it’s Olivier who steals the show, his portrayal of Superintendent Newhouse exudes authority and intuitive brilliance as he struggles to unravel the truth.

Beyond being a nail-biting thriller, Bunny Lake Is Missing is also an exploration of the human mind in crises, an examination of sanity and insanity much ahead of its time. Whether it's the mother's increasing hysteria, the police officer's skepticism, the brother's strange behaviors, or even the collective detachment of the school staff, the storyline delves deeply into the state of unreality, making the viewers question their own perceptions.

The film is also abundant in visual metaphors. The strategic use of mirrors, lighting, filming techniques, and the brooding black-and-white cinematography by Denys Coop intensify moments of self-reflection, multiply characters, and augment the menacing uncertainty throughout.

The director, Otto Preminger, weaves a sinister tapestry of suspense through his smooth handling of the unsettling narrative. Known for his visual style and talent for creating atmospheres fraught with suspicion and unease, his directing in Bunny Lake Is Missing is no exception. Preminger's capacity to hold the audience's attention, toy with their doubt, and pull them into the confines of the film with the characters is testament to both his directing brilliance and the screenplay's complexity, which brilliantly brought the novel by Merriam Modell to life.

In summary, Bunny Lake Is Missing is a tantalizingly slow-burning thriller that thrives on suspense and the impending sense of doom. It is, however, not a traditional painting-by-numbers thriller; it is a deeply thought-provoking exploration of reality, perception, identity, and the frailty of human mind. Both a terrific thriller and a haunting psychological study, it is one of those films that will have you on the edge of your seat and, long after the credits have rolled, actively grappling with the labyrinthine depths of its narrative.