Newspaper advice columnist Julie (a fine and appealing performance by Marianna Hill) receives death threats in the mail from a mysterious person. Meanwhile, the female members of a therapy group run by peculiar psychiatrist Pieter Fales (a surprisingly restrained portrayal by a hilariously miscast Klaus Kinski) are being bumped off by a scissors-wielding maniac. Are these two things connected? Writer/director David Paulsen relates the compelling story at a steady pace, generates a reasonable amount of tension, delivers a satisfying sliver of bare distaff skin, and makes good use of the gritty urban locations. Alas, Paulsen skimps on the gore and Kinski is less than convincing as a womanizing heel. Moreover, Craig Huxley's overdone quivery synthesizer score proves to be more distracting than effective. Fortunately, the sturdy cast holds the picture together: Donna Wilkes as Pieter's troubled estranged daughter Alison, Craig Wasson as Julie's morose, yet amiable ex-husband Doug, Richard Herd as jaded homicide detective Donahue, Joe Regalbuto as Donahue's more sensitive partner Jake, and Christopher Lloyd as creepy handyman Gilbert. Norman Leigh's glossy cinematography provides a pleasing polished look. A rather flawed, but overall pretty solid and enjoyable little flick.
Review of Schizoid
