Remember My Name

Remember My Name (1978) is a riveting psychological thriller that is equal parts suspenseful and thought-provoking. Directed by the accomplished Alan Rudolph, best known for his unconventional narratives and deeply intricate characters, Remember My Name establishes an atmosphere of tension and intrigue from the very first scene, a testament to Rudolph's storytelling acumen.

The movie's narrative is anchored by the captivating performances of Geraldine Chaplin and Anthony Perkins. Chaplin, a respected artist in her own right and the daughter of the iconic actor Charlie Chaplin, portrays the inscrutable yet endlessly fascinating character, Emily. Perkins, renowned for his unforgettable turn in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, stars as Neil Curry, a modest construction worker. Supporting these leads is Moses Gunn, who expertly portrays Percy, a caring and supportive neighbor.

The story begins with Emily, recently released from prison, who moves to a small, nondescript town with the dream of starting over. She takes a job at a grocery store and presents herself as an ordinary woman attempting to re-establish a normal life. However, plainness quickly gives way to mystery as Emily's true intentions begin to emerge. Chaplin's intricate performance keeps audiences guessing her character's motives, tantalizing them with ambiguous smiles and cryptic conversations. The palpable sense of mystery surrounding Emily is what truly propels the film, keeping the audience thoroughly engrossed in the story.

Opposite Chaplin, Perkins' Neil is the very image of the average man. Living a calm and uncomplicated civilian life, he spends his days working construction and his evenings with his wife, Barbara (played by Berry Berenson). He's content, unassuming, and unsuspecting, a stark contrast to Emily's enigmatic character. Perkins does a commendable job of bringing a down-to-earth charm to Neil, a necessary counterpoint to the storm of suspense that surrounds Emily.

As Emily becomes more entwined with Neil and Barbara's lives, the tension heightens. Rudolph's direction expertly weaves a sense of impending doom into the otherwise ordinary lives of these characters, and the film's shots, ranging from the seemingly mundane suburbs to the intimate interiors of the characters' homes, are filled with unsaid threats and underlying tension. It’s not just a movie about choosing between right and wrong. Instead, it expansively explores the gray area that lies in between.

Moses Gunn, as the gentle and observant neighbor Percy, provides a subtle grounding to the narrative, his character quietly surveying the escalating events from afar. His concerned looks and understanding nods present a different perspective on the unfolding events, offering some respite from the looming suspense that pervades the narrative.

In addition to its captivating performances and gripping plot, Remember My Name is further elevated by a haunting score from the legendary jazz artist, Alberta Hunter. Her soulful, blues-tinged contributions underscore the building tension and suspense, simultaneously reinforcing the film's emotional resonance while feeding into its overarching feeling of mystery.

On the technical front, the movie features meticulous cinematography by David Myers that works in complete harmony with Rudolph's vision. The subtle play of light and shadow, the eerie, voyeuristic framing of certain shots, and the understated, bleak aesthetics lend the narrative a haunting, profound character that stays with the viewer long after the film has ended.

Remember My Name does a commendable job of blending suspense with the exploration of the human psyche, leaving viewers with thoughtfully eerie impressions of normality blurred with disquiet. It is a film that satisfies thriller enthusiasts, while also offering a more profound commentary on human behavior for the more introspective viewer.

In total, Remember My Name is an exquisite mixture of suspense, drama, and psychological exploration, brought to life by remarkable performances, Alan Rudolph's distinguised direction, and a deeply suspenseful screenplay. It offers a unique cinematic experience that delves into the human condition, wrapped in a narrative that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.