Death Watch (1980)
"La mort en direct" (original title)

Roddy has a camera implanted in his brain. He is then hired by a television producer to film a documentary of terminally ill Katherine, without her knowledge. His footage will then be run ... See full summary »

Director:

Bertrand Tavernier

Writers:

David Compton (novel), David Rayfiel,

Stars:

Romy Schneider, Harvey Keitel, Harry Dean Stanton

1 win & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Romy Schneider	...	Katherine Mortenhoe
Harvey Keitel	...	Roddy
Harry Dean Stanton	...	Vincent Ferriman
Thérèse Liotard	...	Tracey
Max von Sydow	...	Gerald Mortenhoe (as Max Von Sydow)
Caroline Langrishe	...	Girl in the Bar
William Russell	...	Dr.Mason (as William Russel)
Vadim Glowna	...	Harry Graves
Eva Maria Meineke	...	Dr.Klausen
Bernhard Wicki	...	Katherine's Dad (as Bernard Wicki)
Freddie Boardley	...	Technician
Robbie Coltrane	...	Limosine driver
Julian Hough	...	Young doctor
Peter Kelly	...	Technician
Boyd Nelson	...	Policeman

Storyline

Roddy has a camera implanted in his brain. He is then hired by a television producer to film a documentary of terminally ill Katherine, without her knowledge. His footage will then be run on the popular TV series, "Death Watch"...

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Plot Keywords:

television | hidden camera | fictional reality show | terminal illness | future | 

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Taglines:

She's the target of every eye...including eyes only science could create.

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

France West Germany

Language:

English French German

Release Date:

April 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Death Watch

Filming Locations:

Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Films A2, Gaumont International, Little Bear

Technical Specs

Runtime:

130 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dedicated to Jacques Tourneur.

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Quotes

Katherine Mortenhoe: Everything's of interest, but nothing matters.

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Crazy Credits

To Jacques Tourneur

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Connections

References X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes (1963)

User Reviews

One of Romy Schneider's greatest films.

When I first saw this film at the age of seven, I was left highly impressed. From that moment on, Death Watch (La Mort en Direct) has been one of my favourite films. Although there are some weaker moments (a dull voice-over from a supporting actress, a climax that does not really hit the spot, French opening titles) the acting, the dialogues, haunting soundtrack and the charisma of Schneider and Keitel make watching this film a very good experience. Credit also to the director of photography and his camera crew, whose wonderful style may remind you of Dean Cundey's work on Halloween (1978).