Johnny Vaughn

There are plot holes, the character development is thin, the pace is too slow, and the stage is too limited, but somehow you don't care. The noir atmosphere is probably the most complete ever in cinema, and that is what grabs you, and amazes you like a special effects ride at Disney that lasts only minutes. It was a first of it's kind, and "replicant" movies released since have somewhat watered down it's influence for those not around at it's original release in 1982, yet it still envelopes it's audience into a dark future world. It honestly would have taken a 4 hour movie to address it's flaws, but it's better left as is.

Whether you buy into Maude being a true artist or not, that is secondary. The acting and cinematography of this film were remarkable, but what set this movie off, is the visceral portrayal of victims of abuse, both male and female, in the mid 20th century.