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) | |
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Freddie Boardley | ... | Technician |
Robbie Coltrane | ... | Limosine driver | |
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Julian Hough | ... | Young doctor |
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Peter Kelly | ... | Technician |
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Boyd Nelson | ... | Policeman |
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 television series, "Death Watch". Written by Philip Brubaker <coda@nando.net>
This film was shot in my home town, Glasgow, in 1979. Since then it has rarely been seen and indeed I only saw it myself for the first time this year. Our local arthouse cinema, the Glasgow Film Theatre, screened a one off presentation of what was alleged to be the last print in existence. Though the print itself was old and worn the film blew me away with its futuristic storyline, fantastic cast and phenomenal locations. It captures Glasgow as it was in the late 70's just before a period of great changes in the landscape of the city. Tavernier skillfully uses an environment that is full of eery imagery - graveyards, cranes and an industrial landscape that is grinding to a halt. The film also depicts a society fascinated with death. Harvey Keitel is excellent as the human camera that allows society the ultimate act of voyeurism - watching someone die on TV. Awesome. Someone, somewhere please commission