Product: Magic [VHS] (1978)
Rating: 4.0
Highly under-acknowleged. A great '70's thriller.
Magic is a first-rate thriller, with a typically excellent performance by a young Hopkins, who actually does his own ventriloquism for the film (his voice for Fats is great). The dummy is one of the most interesting ever designed (looks a bit like an intelligent and potentially sinister Alfred E. Neuman), and its moveable parts include several minor, accenting "facial muscles," giving the 'persona' of Fats a disturbingly realistic aspect. The supporting players are in excellent form, too. The film has a moody and claustrophobic quality which is perfect for the tale. Attenbourough's direction is top-form as is Kemper's cinematography. Can't comment on the dvd, for have not yet purchased it. Only just recently recalled this film, and thought on how much I should like to see it again, so was checking if Amazon stocked it. Am ordering it straightaway.