Edge of Sanity

Edge of Sanity is a 1989 psychological horror movie that successfully pushes the envelope of traditional elements in horror genre to explore the dark abyss of the human mind. The principle cast includes Anthony Perkins, Glynis Barber and Sarah Maur-Thorp, under the helm of director Gérard Kikoïne.

This movie delves into the psyche of its central character, Dr. Henry Jekyll, captivatingly portrayed by Perkins. Best known for his iconic role as Norman Bates in Hitchcock's Psycho, Perkins pulls another stunning performance in Edge of Sanity, adding new dimensions to a well-known character of literature; capturing the essence of an honorable, decent doctor who descends into the clutches of his deranged alter ego, Jack Hyde, after a laboratory accident.

This transformation not only changes him physically but psychologically. As Jack Hyde, Perkins is terrifyingly convincing, his sinister nature taking on a primacy that impresses, bringing out the mystique of a man split between two starkly different personalities. This duality of character hypnotizes viewers with its depth and intensity and plays with their perception of right and wrong, good and evil.

Glynis Barber comes in as the complex and rather unknowing wife of Dr. Jekyll, Elisabeth. Despite her compelling performance, Elisabeth is mainly a supporting character, caught in the whirlwind of her husband's metamorphosis that she doesn't fully comprehend. The interaction between Elisabeth and Jekyll/Hyde and the ultimate unravelling of their relationship adds a humanistic drama into the horror plotline. Elisabeth's presence further emphasizes Jekyll’s dual life and personality.

Sarah Maur-Thorp as Susannah, a woman of the night in London’s seedy underworld, becomes the pivotal element that connects Jekyll’s and Hyde’s divergent worlds. Maur-Thorp delivers her role with an undeniable conviction, brilliantly showing the struggles and vulnerabilities of a woman caught in the fray.

This movie is set in the morose and eerie backdrop of 19th-century London with its gloomy corners and gas-lit foggy streets providing the perfect setting for the narrative to unfurl. Edge of Sanity does an outstanding job depicting a grim and tense atmosphere, in line with the darkness of its characters' psyche and their actions. The costume and set designs, along with the film's meticulous cinematography, effectively transport audiences back in time, immersing them into the unsettling environment that complements the psychological torment seen on screen.

Edge of Sanity uses the narrative structure and character relations of Robert Louis Stevenson's “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, juxtaposing this tale with the unsolved Jack the Ripper killings in the same era. The amalgamation of these distinctive narratives offers a unique spin on both stories. Rather than a retelling, it traverses new territory that blends psychological horror with slasher and period drama elements.

Featuring Anthony Perkins at his best, Edge of Sanity is a film that delves into the concept of dual personality, and uses it as a metaphor to scrutinise the deepest, darkest corners of the human mind. It is graphic and gruesome at times, capturing the horrific reality of a man battling with himself. The film’s portrayal of Jack Hyde as a murderous and cruel character intensifies the complexity of Dr. Jekyll’s struggle and raises thought-provoking questions about the inherent nature of humanity.

The movie's gore and intense scenes may not be for the faint of heart, yet they serve their purpose in painting a vivid picture of the inner turmoil that marks Dr. Jekyll's transformation into Mr. Hyde. The gruesome acts and the journey into man's internal demon make Edge of Sanity a unique blend of psychological thriller and horror.

With a remarkable cast, expert direction, an intriguing blend of narratives and deep explorations of complex themes, Edge of Sanity successfully pushes the boundaries of traditional horror films. It offers viewers a deeper insight into the darkness within the human psyche framed in a heartbreaking story of man’s duality. This feature film is a must-watch for Anthony Perkins fans and for those who appreciate sophisticated, atmospheric thrillers with a psychological twist.