Pretty Poison DVD Review:

Psycho’s Anthony Perkins puts in another convincing performance as a disturbed young man here as an arsonist who falls for high school girl Tuesday Weld.

Supposedly cured of his fire starting tendencies, Perkins’ Dennis Pitt is released back into society. Unfortunately, he still has a dangerous habit to indulge in fantasies. So when he meets Weld’s Sue Ann, he can’t resist telling her he’s a secret agent.

But things soon become far more complicated when Sue Ann reveals herself to have some serious psychological problems of her own. It quickly becomes difficult to judge who is really in control of their strange relationship.

Released in 1968, the film won critical acclaim and has since developed something of a cult following. It’s also an impressive feat considering director Noel Black had only made a completely dialogue-free short before Pretty Poison.

There are some oddly comic and corny patches to this film and whether intentional or otherwise, they generally help add to the unsettling air of the piece.

The set up of a reckless young couple might sound a little tired today, but the gradual power shift and revelation of Perkins’ and Weld’s true characters maintain interest in this case.

Extras
A photo gallery, plus one deleted scene is provided. Press releases and posters are also included, featuring some amusing taglines attempting to be down with the kids. Director Noel Black touches on this unsuccessful promotion in his commentary. Interviewed by film historian Robert Fisher, Black gives a detailed analysis of the film. His explanation of America’s attitude towards violence at that time and the adaptation of the script from the book ‘She Let Him Continue’ are particularly interesting.



Natalie Hunt