Redemption Films | Buy at Amazon | Review by Doug Waltz
Also known as DESPERATE MOMENTS, this film's major selling point is that it was directed by Enzo G. Castellari, director of INGLORIOUS BASTARDS which begot Quentin Tarantino's remake INGLORIOUS BASTERDS. But, this ain't no WWII flick, let me tell ya.
COLD EYES OF FEAR deals with the son of a judge being kidnapped by an ex-con. Well, two ex-cons actually and one is keeping the other in the dark. Seems one thinks they are there for a safe full of money while the other one is motivated purely by revenge. The judge's boy is at his father's home because he brought along a prostitute for some fun. Now they are trapped in a house with two madmen who have plans that might include murder!
COLD EYES OF FEAR starts off as a giallo, but that turns out to be a red herring. It's really a tale of revenge and crooked court systems. The cast really only consists of five people and one of them is locked up in his study for the majority of the film, yet is an active participant in the proceedings.
Some of the camerawork must be mentioned. There are shots through many things. A fireplace, a bucket of ice and, oddly enough, through a telephone dial. Just amazing how some of these shots must have been set up. They, along with the jazz score, elevate this rather mundane picture beyond its boring, run-of-the-mill plot.
COLD EYES OF FEAR is a pretty slim DVD release with a meager stills gallery and the trailer for the film, less than what I expect from Redemption Films.
In the end I'm glad I watched it, but really see no reason to every revisit this particular movie. It would make for a good rental.
