How Awful About Allan

How Awful About Allan is a captivating thriller from 1970 that combines elements of psychological intrigue, suspense, and drama. The film is marked by the mesmerizing performances of the lead actors, most notably Anthony Perkins, known best for his role as Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock's classic Pyscho. He is joined by the remarkable Julie Harris and Joan Hackett.

The film is directed by Curtis Harrington, known for his artistic and deeply psychological take on horror and suspense. It was adapted from a gripping short story by Henry Farrell, ensuring that the movie retains a deep narrative core.

In How Awful About Allan, Perkins plays Allan, a deeply troubled man who, after a family tragedy that leaves him guilt-stricken, suffers from the traumatic psychological aftermath that manifests itself in the form of psychosomatic blindness. Allan's character is profoundly affected by his guilt, his struggle to come to terms with his father's death, and his relationship with his sister. Perkins, with his wide-ranging acting prowess, fleshes out the complexities of Allan's character, creating a fascinating psychological study.

Julie Harris embodies the role of Katherine, Allan's sister, who takes care of him after the accident. She is the supportive figure in his life, striving to get him back to everyday normalcy. Harris's performance gives depth to Katherine's character, fluidly combining compassion and suppressed frustration.

Joan Hackett brings to life the character of Olive, Allan's loyal fiancee who, despite his troubled mental state, believes in him and fights for their relationship. This trio of dynamic performances forms the emotional core of How Awful About Allan, highlighting not only Allan's personal struggles but also throwing light on the intricate dynamics of familial relationships and romantic love's resilience amidst mental trauma.

Curtis Harrington's directorial mettle is on full display in How Awful About Allan. He uses carefully composed frames, atmospheric lighting, and intricate sound design to create an unnerving mood and build suspense. It's Harrington's haunting and stylish visual approach that tangibly creates Allan's terrifying psychological experiences, positioning the viewer firmly in Allan's shoes.

The sound design and score play crucial roles in crafting the film's suspense. The often unnerving sound effects and a haunting score by Laurence Rosenthal accurately portray Allan's mental state and the eerie environment, contributing to the film's overall chilling effect.

As Allan's psychological state spirals, he becomes convinced that someone or something is out to get him. The film introduces several intriguing characters, each of whom may or may not be the source of Allan's haunting fears, thereby creating an enthralling mystery element.

The narrative is fueled by mystery, unease, and suspense as Allan begins encountering strange occurrences and feels the menacing presence in his house. The intrigue intensifies when he cannot convince those around him of these events due to his condition. These external pressures amplify Allan's inner conflicts, adding layers to Perkins's portrayal and fueling the well-constructed mystery at How Awful About Allan's heart.

How Awful About Allan explores themes of guilt, trauma, and isolation. It subtly examines how these affect relationships and the individual's perception of reality, thereby weaving in deeper psychological connotations. Harrington's nuanced take, combined with Perkins's capabilities to elicit empathy for such a disturbed character, result in a film that is both an edge-of-your seat thriller and a thoughtful exploration of the human mind.

Quintessentially 1970s in its aesthetics, How Awful About Allan is a stylish, gripping suspense thriller that wraps mystery and psychological drama into one. Its nuanced performances, especially by Anthony Perkins, and Curtis Harrington's directorial vision make it a memorable watch. It showcases the powerful effects of human psyche on perception and reality, compellingly portrayed through a thrilling narrative. From start to finish, How Awful About Allan is sure to keep viewers enraptured and engrossed.