This is the strange story of twin brothers, Martin and Chris Udvarnoky, tragically separated whenone of them is killed in a freak accident on their farm. They are presented as rambunctious, typical kids, getting into all sorts of mischief, yet involved in strange games, and the sudden tragedy leaves the surviving brother in denial Jackie has been left behind.
The brother's death is presented in a very strange way to where you're not even sure that it was an actual death scene, but a fantasy by the brother who would that point was fantasizing about flying across the farm like a crow, and all of a sudden feeling the pains of a pitchfork in his chest. at that point, the accident happens and a casket is seeing being loaded into a hearse. Then, the brother is discovered in their room, and the audience must begin to play guessing games as to what is fantasy and what is reality. The surviving brother when he realizes the truth begins to show more bizarre behavior, leading to some horrific twists.
The film marks one of the rare big-screen appearances of stage legend and acting teacher Uta Hagen as the boy's grandmother, with Diana Muldaur as their mother. It's hard to categorize whether or not this is a horror film, a psychological drama or a supernatural thriller. still, the film keeps your attention especially with Hagen commanding her limited number of scenes.
Portia Nelson is amusing in a smaller role as a neighbor who was often a victim of the boys pranks. You have to look sharp for "General Hospital's" Aunt Ruby (Norma Connolly) as a family relative, but John Ritter in one of his early appearances is instantly recognizable as is Victor French from "Little House on the Prairie". Chilling photography, a beautiful musical score and quiet editing are other places in a film that I could see watching again to pick up on details I may have missed the first time. It's a unique entryin the film credits of director Robert Mulligan, best known for "To Kill a Mockingbird".
The brother's death is presented in a very strange way to where you're not even sure that it was an actual death scene, but a fantasy by the brother who would that point was fantasizing about flying across the farm like a crow, and all of a sudden feeling the pains of a pitchfork in his chest. at that point, the accident happens and a casket is seeing being loaded into a hearse. Then, the brother is discovered in their room, and the audience must begin to play guessing games as to what is fantasy and what is reality. The surviving brother when he realizes the truth begins to show more bizarre behavior, leading to some horrific twists.
The film marks one of the rare big-screen appearances of stage legend and acting teacher Uta Hagen as the boy's grandmother, with Diana Muldaur as their mother. It's hard to categorize whether or not this is a horror film, a psychological drama or a supernatural thriller. still, the film keeps your attention especially with Hagen commanding her limited number of scenes.
Portia Nelson is amusing in a smaller role as a neighbor who was often a victim of the boys pranks. You have to look sharp for "General Hospital's" Aunt Ruby (Norma Connolly) as a family relative, but John Ritter in one of his early appearances is instantly recognizable as is Victor French from "Little House on the Prairie". Chilling photography, a beautiful musical score and quiet editing are other places in a film that I could see watching again to pick up on details I may have missed the first time. It's a unique entryin the film credits of director Robert Mulligan, best known for "To Kill a Mockingbird".