Cape Fear (1991)

My Review

“Cape Fear” is a psychological thriller movie about a deranged man released from a fourteen year prison sentence, out for revenge on the attorney (and his family) whom he feels inadequately defended him. Director Martin Scorsese (“New York, New York” 1977) assembled quite an engrossing thriller, from a well written screenplay by Wesley Strick. It is a remake of the 1962 film of the same name.

The star of the show is no doubt Robert De Niro as the psychopathic rapist Max Cady. He is superbly chilling as the heavy of the piece, outdoing Robert Mitchum who was in the same role in the original. Co-stars include Nick Nolte as the lawyer, Jessica Lange and Juliette Lewis as his wife and daughter, respectively, Joe Don Baker, Fred Thompson, Zully Montero, Domenica Cameron-Scorsese (Martin’s daughter), and Illeana Douglas (granddaughter of Melvyn Douglas). Three actors appeared in cameos who were from the original 1962 movie: Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, and Martin Balsam as the judge.

The watchable “Cape Fear” was popular in theatrical release for Amblin Entertainment, Cappa Films, Tribeca Productions, and Universal Pictures. It was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Actor (De Niro) and Best Supporting Actress (Lewis).