Mesmerized (1985)

An orphaned New Zealand girl married to an older, wealthy businessman learns to deal with his strange sexual desires.

Director:

Michael Laughlin

Writers:

Jerzy Skolimowski, Michael Laughlin (screenplay)

Stars:

Jodie Foster, John Lithgow, Michael Murphy

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jodie Foster	...	Victoria
John Lithgow	...	Oliver Thompson
Michael Murphy	...	Wilson
Dan Shor	...	George
Harry Andrews	...	Old Thompson
Philip Holder	...	Dr. Finch
Beryl Te Wiata	...	Mrs. Simmons
Reg Evans	...	Mr. Simmons
Jonathan Hardy	...	Burley
Don Selwyn	...	Joseph
Derek Hardwick	...	Longwood
George Spoors	...	Lawyer
Bob Gould	...	Judge
Jonathan Elsom	...	Public Prosecutor
Norman Fairley	...	Bailiff

Storyline

An orphaned New Zealand girl married to an older, wealthy businessman learns to deal with his strange sexual desires.

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Plot Keywords:

close up of eye | new zealand | brother versus brother | intercepted letter | unlikely criminal | 

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Taglines:

A love triangle of passion and murder

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

In a paper article entitled "Actors choose direct protest" published on 21st June 1984 in New Zealand's Auckland Star, the newspaper reported: "Actors Equity will consider direct protest action against the $1.5 million film production Mesmerised for its use of five overseas actors [...] Actors Equity president Mr John McDavitt said many actors were angry that New Zealanders had been deprived of work in those roles. He considers only Foster [Jodie Foster] was famous enough to give the film extra box office attraction overseas [...] 'The producer ('Tony Ginnane') isn't the slightest bit interested in us - he casted the American actors without even auditioning Kiwis. The company is just 'using' New Zealand'".

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Quotes

[first lines]
Judge: Order in court! Council for the defense of Mrs. Victoria Thompson: Thomas Longwood, MP.

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Soundtracks

Manurere
Written by Sam Freedman
Performed by Saint Joseph Maori Girls Choir

User Reviews

Didn't quite GET IT!

While I adore Jodie Foster and find all of John Lithgow's performances to be uniquely brilliant, I really didn't get this movie. The actors were great, but the filming, directing, and especially the script were inarticulate and just plain messy. While I kind of understood the plot by the end of the movie, I couldn't help being confused as I watched it. The character development was non-existent. The plot was put together with spit. I felt awful for the actors who looked like they were desperately trying to make sense of the movie for the audience. I've seen other confusing movies where the directing and script were so brilliant that even if I didn't understand it the first time, I was intrigued to watch it again. This time, I really was not interested to attempt it again. What a mess! Still, Lithgow and Foster should be proud of their performances. They really did a good job despite the lack of script. Good material, good story, and good acting - but what a shame that the director and the writer couldn't portray it any better.

Details

Country:

Australia New Zealand UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 December 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mesmerized

Filming Locations:

Northland, New Zealand

Box Office

Budget:

$5,654,930 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Challenge Film Corporation, Manchester Productions, Orinward Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1