Lady in a Cage

For an early 60s thriller, this hasn't aged too badly. Yes, it is populated by grotesque caricatures (belying contemporary social perceptions) and the acting is highly theatrical, but the script is very lively and anticipates much more modern "home invasion" thrillers. In fact, Lady in a Cage is probably seminal to that tradition. A young James Caan is an interesting main antagonist. I can see how this would have been quite scary to 1964 audiences.

A brutally pessimistic film with one of the ugliest worldviews I've ever seen. Everyone is either indifferent to suffering or willing and eager to be part of it. The opening titles set this up with scenes of a dead dog in the road that gets casually ignored, and a young girl tormenting an unconscious derelict. From there it just gets worse. It's really over-the-top, but it suits the material (except for some of DeHavilland's pompous inner monologue).

Underrated '60s psycho-thriller. One of the first films of its era to comment directly on the increasing violence of its time, this is dominated by de Havilland's excellent performance as she slides slowly from smug self-import into hate-filled savagery. Much better than you may have heard, with a very violent ending.

Top badass moment? Despite getting both his eyes poked out with two bits of bendy metal, Randall seems to cope with the pain quite admirably; he appears more pissed off than anything else. I have to admit that it's been a while since I watched a film in which absolutely none of the characters had any redeeming features whatsoever. Even the 'extras' are uncaring, self-centred and entirely lacking in empathy. I loved it; so true to life! No cats, chainsaws or decapitations.

A particularly nasty film. It's not only cruel to the aging de Havilland: it's cruel to everybody. James Caan is so repulsive that I'm surprised this didn't end his career. Still, the film stays with you, like a scar. Maybe that's good for something.

Good enough performances to make me forget to analyze them. Lesson: don't break a hip, because nothing short of death gets anybody's attention.

Harrowing social commentary within the campy style of grand guignol. Still, there are several very interesting ideas floating around.

Fairly enjoyable semi-hokum.