The Comfort of Strangers (1990)

A couple retreat to Venice to work on their relationship, but an encounter with a stranger leads them into a world of intrigue - where their darkest desires are in reach.

Director:

Paul Schrader

Writers:

Ian McEwan (novel), Harold Pinter (screenplay)

Stars:

Christopher Walken, Rupert Everett, Natasha Richardson

1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Christopher Walken	...	Robert
Rupert Everett	...	Colin
Natasha Richardson	...	Mary
Helen Mirren	...	Caroline
Manfredi Aliquo	...	Concierge
David Ford	...	Waiter
Daniel Franco	...	Waiter
Rossana Canghiari	...	Hotel Maid
Fabrizio Sergenti Castellani	...	Bar Manager (as Fabrizio Castellani)
Mario Cotone	...	Detective
Giancarlo Previati	...	First Policeman
Antonio Serrano	...	Second Policeman

Storyline

An English couple holiday in Venice to sort out their relationship. There is some friction and distance between them, and we also sense they are being watched. One evening, they lose their way looking for a restaurant, and a stranger invites them to accompany him. He plies them with wine and grotesque stories from his childhood. They leave disoriented, physically ill, and morally repelled. But, next day, when the stranger sees them in the piazza, they accept an invitation to his sumptuous flat. After this visit, the pair find the depth to face questions about each other, only to be drawn back into the mysterious and menacing fantasies of the stranger and his mate.

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Plot Keywords:

dangerous friend | erotica | sexual fantasy | stranger | husband wife relationship | 

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Taglines:

A story of passionate obsession.

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for obsessive and perverse sexuality

Details

Country:

USA Italy UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

April 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cortesie per gli ospiti

Filming Locations:

Italy

Box Office

Gross USA:

$1,244,381

Company Credits

Production Co:

Erre Produzioni,Reteitalia,Sovereign Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Christopher Walken said in an interview that he kept the clothes he wore in this movie designed by Georgio Armani.

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Quotes

Caroline: Are you in love?
Mary: Well, I... I do love him, I suppose. Not quite like when we first met. I trust him, really. He's my closest friend. But, what do you mean by in-love?
Caroline: I mean that you'd do absolutely anything for the other person, and you'd let them do absolutely anything to you. Anything...
Mary: Anything?

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Connections

References Don't Look Now (1973)

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Soundtracks

CANTANDO CON LE LACRIME AGLI OCCHI
by Betty Curtis

User Reviews

A Lincoln Center Film Festival and rightly so

This is the second Harold Pinter film I have seen during the Harold Pinter film festival being held at Lincoln Center in New York. I think his adaptations are great. Paul Schrader's direction in this movie was wonderful. The long shots and thoughtful portrayal of the surroundings added immensely to the overall beauty and cleverness of the film. You need to be able to get a sense of the place where the movie takes place. I believe Schrader captured Venice perfectly. When I traveled in Italy, the only place I ever felt uneasy was walking through Venice at night. Walken is a genius, regardless of what people say about him. He has the same stage presence as a Brando, Dean or Steiger. He embodies his character. I would recommend anyone to see this film and am encouraging my 30 yr old son who is an aspiring actor to see it and learn from the masters!