Cape Fear (1991)

Director:

Martin Scorsese

Writers (WGA):

John D. MacDonald (novel)
James R. Webb (earlier screenplay)

Release Date:

13 November 1991 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

There is nothing in the dark that isn't there in the light. Except fear.

Plot:

A convicted rapist, released from prison after serving a 14 year sentence, stalks the family of the lawyer who originally defended him.

Plot Keywords:

Rape | Revenge | River | Psychopath | Cigar Smoking

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

Robert De Niro	...	Max Cady
Nick Nolte	...	Sam Bowden
Jessica Lange	...	Leigh Bowden
Juliette Lewis	...	Danielle Bowden
Joe Don Baker	...	Claude Kersek
Robert Mitchum	...	Lieutenant Elgart
Gregory Peck	...	Lee Heller
Martin Balsam	...	Judge
Illeana Douglas	...	Lori Davis
Fred Dalton Thompson	...	Tom Broadbent
Zully Montero	...	Graciella
Craig Henne	...	Prisoner
Forest Burton	...	Prisoner
Edgar Allan Poe IV	...	Prisoner
Rod Ball	...	Prisoner

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence, and for language.

Runtime:

128 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Finland:K-15 (video rating) (2001) | Finland:K-16 (1992) (cut) (video rating) | Finland:K-18 (1992) (uncut) | Iceland:16 | Canada:R | Brazil:16 | South Korea:18 | Philippines:R-18 | India:A | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Chile:18 | France:-12 | Germany:16 | Israel:16 | Norway:15 | Singapore:PG | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R | Netherlands:16

Filming Locations:

Florida, USA

Company:

Amblin Entertainment

Trivia:

Director Martin Scorsese read the original script three times while making GoodFellas (1990) and hated it each time because of how the Bowdens were a happy family and wanted them to be miserable.

Goofs:

Continuity: The detective's blood pool changes shape on the kitchen floor.

Quotes:

Sam Bowden: [the first meet - about to start his car when suddenly a hand reaches in and snatches the keys. It's Max Caddy!]
Max Cady: [smiling] Free as a bird. You go wherever you want with whomever.
Sam Bowden: I'd like my keys back please.
Max Cady: Could it be you don't remember me?
Sam Bowden: I remember you. You were at the movies the other night.
Max Cady: I'm disappointed. I'm hurt.
Sam Bowden: I would like my keys.
Max Cady: Max Cady. You look the same. Maybe 15 pounds heavier. But they say the average man gains a pound a year till he's about... Come on. Gains a pound a year till he's about 60. Me? I dropped a pound every year in my sentence.
Sam Bowden: Atlanta. July 1977?
Max Cady: You got it.
[...]

Movie Connections:

References The Case of the Howling Dog (1934)

"Counselor, Come Out! Come Out! Wherever You Are!"

Robert De Niro is one of those actors that just melts into a role. His performance as rapist, convict, and all-around not-a-very-nice fellow Max Cady is certainly one of his most memorable performances for its stamina, strength, and excessiveness. The film by Martin Scorsece is a remake of the classic film starring Robert Mitchum and Gregory Peck. Although Scorsece keeps the spirit of the film intact, he does make some very modern changes. He changes the role of Sam Bowden and family from one of harmony to dysfunction. No character is the epitome of a universal good, but rather flawed(very flawed) goodness. Nick Nolte does a fine job as Bowden and Jessica Lange and Juliette Lewis both give deep, emotional performances. The film is really a sea of emotion...most of that emotion being fear. Scorsece adds some arty touches with the camera, but it is his gritty style that really dominates the film's impact. Scorsece also is ever the protector of film as he gives cameos to Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, and Martin Balsam(all in the original film). The other acting standout goes to Joe Don Baker as a hired private investigator. But make no mistake....this is De Niro's film all the way. He has some of the best lines as he harasses the Bowden family, terrorizes the Bowden family, and strips the Bowden family of all civility, pretense, and dignity. This film is definitely a keeper!