Directed by Lawrence Kasdan | United States | 113 min
“When it gets this hot, people try to kill each other.”
What does one do after writing mega-blockbusters The Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark back to back? If you’re director Lawrence Kasdan, you throw a curveball and direct a sub-genre-defining neo-noir erotic thriller.
Set in sweltering South Florida, the film’s noir elements unravel in a manner heavily inspired by Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity. Like many classic American noirs, our main character, played by William Hurt, meets an irresistible woman and soon finds himself in a fiery plot. In this case, that woman is Kathleen Turner in her iconic feature film debut. Her character, Matty Walker, is an explosive update of the femme fatale archetype, juxtaposed splendidly against William Hurt’s Ned, who is a classical noir protagonist.
Ned can’t escape the sweaty South, and he can’t escape his attractions. Can he beat the (body) heat and escape his fatal flaw? Find out at the first film of Calgary Cinematheque’s Summer Heat series.
Written by Kyle Hodge
Part of our Summer of Heat Series.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.