Richard Marquand's 1981 WW2 thriller makes for intriguing conjecture as it considers the possibility that a lethal and cunning Nazi spy may have known of the Allies' intention to invade Normandy. Screenwriter Stanley Mann weaves a good old fashioned espionage yarn from the original novel by Ken Follett (a 1978 best seller), and an impressive cast and crew help bring it all to life.
Our director (Marquand) knows how to tell a story, and though he's working with a more simple plot than he did in 1985's "Jagged Edge", still manages to involve the audience and create real tension. Donald Sutherland certainly helps in this regard too, as the German spy "Faber", who has successfully infiltrated English society in the guise of a war veteran, and who'll stop at nothing to achieve his objective. As the reluctant heroine, Kate Nelligan successfully portrays vulnerability, frustration, desperation and terror as we share in her plight. Worthy support also comes from Christopher Cazenove, Ian Bannen and Philip Martin Brown.
Also a major factor in "The Eye of the Needle's" effectiveness is the artful cinematography (Alan Hume) that captures "Storm Island" so exquisitely, the efficient editing from Sean Barton and the authentic Set design and costumes that recreate the 40's most convincingly. Music is from Miklos Rozsa.
Strongest attributes are always the impressive, dramatic performances from leads Sutherland and Nelligan.
Sunday, January 8, 1995 - Video
Our director (Marquand) knows how to tell a story, and though he's working with a more simple plot than he did in 1985's "Jagged Edge", still manages to involve the audience and create real tension. Donald Sutherland certainly helps in this regard too, as the German spy "Faber", who has successfully infiltrated English society in the guise of a war veteran, and who'll stop at nothing to achieve his objective. As the reluctant heroine, Kate Nelligan successfully portrays vulnerability, frustration, desperation and terror as we share in her plight. Worthy support also comes from Christopher Cazenove, Ian Bannen and Philip Martin Brown.
Also a major factor in "The Eye of the Needle's" effectiveness is the artful cinematography (Alan Hume) that captures "Storm Island" so exquisitely, the efficient editing from Sean Barton and the authentic Set design and costumes that recreate the 40's most convincingly. Music is from Miklos Rozsa.
Strongest attributes are always the impressive, dramatic performances from leads Sutherland and Nelligan.
Sunday, January 8, 1995 - Video