Watch Tell-Tale Heart
- 2015
- 1 hr 22 min
Tell-Tale Heart is a psychological thriller movie directed by John La Tier and based on the classic short story of the same name by Edgar Allan Poe. Patrick John Flueger plays the role of a haunted man, who is plagued by violent impulses after undergoing a heart transplant. He tries to come to terms with his new lease on life, but begins to suspect that the heart donor's identity may be tied to a murder.
The story unfolds as the protagonist, who is never named in the movie, is released from the hospital after a successful heart transplant surgery. He returns to his luxurious apartment where he lives with his beautiful girlfriend, Elizabeth (played by Rose McGowan). However, he soon starts experiencing hallucinations and visions that seem to be memories and emotions from the heart donor. These vivid images compel him to carry out brutal acts of violence, and he struggles to control his behavior as he investigates the donor's identity.
Peter Bogdanovich plays the role of the detective assigned to solve the bloody murder case that haunts the protagonist. The detective senses that something is amiss, and his investigation leads him to the protagonist, who has become the prime suspect. As the story unfolds, the audience is exposed to the protagonist's inner turmoil as he battles his own demons while trying to prove his innocence.
The film is set in an urban metropolis, and the city skyline provides a fitting backdrop for the gritty, noir-style film. Cinematographer Christian Herrera has done an impressive job in capturing the city's dark and moody atmosphere, creating a sense of tension and unease throughout the movie. The visuals are dominated by muted, earthy tones that add to the overall feel of the film.
The film's pacing is deliberate, and the director takes time to set the mood and atmosphere of the movie. The eerie music in the background, composed by the talented Harry Manfredini, works together with the visuals to create a perfect blend. As the story progresses, the tension builds, and the audience is kept guessing until the very end.
One of the film's strengths is the powerful performance delivered by Patrick John Flueger as the protagonist. The actor is convincing in his portrayal of a man struggling with his violent impulses and brings a palpable sense of conflict to the character. He embodies the protagonist's sense of anguish and desperation, spurred on by both his own madness and the harsh realities of his environment.
The chemistry between Flueger and McGowan is another highlight of the film. The passionate and loving relationship between their characters serves as a counterpoint to the film's darker themes, and their interactions provide a rare moment of respite from the tension and violence that pervades the movie.
The film tackles several themes such as identity, guilt, morality, and human nature. The protagonist's struggle to control his impulses and maintain his sanity is relatable, and the film's examination of the darker side of human nature provides a chilling and thought-provoking experience. The movie also explores the impact of traumatic events on the human psyche and questions the extent to which we are shaped by our experiences.
Overall, Tell-Tale Heart is a compelling and captivating film that offers a modern retelling of a classic tale. The performances are solid, the visuals and music are hauntingly beautiful, and the themes the movie addresses are timeless. The film works as both a murder mystery and a psychological drama, and it will leave viewers pondering the lasting effects of trauma and the human capacity for good and evil.
Tell-Tale Heart is a 2015 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.