Body Double
Dir. Brian De Palma. 1984, 114 mins. U.S. DCP. With Craig Wasson, Melanie Griffith, Gregg Henry, Deborah Shelton. Perhaps the litmus test for De Palma aficionados, Body Double uses a Hitchcockian template to dunk things as far into a bucket of sleaze as possible—and re-emerges an improbable work of meta-genius. Milquetoast B-grade L.A. actor Jake (Craig Wasson), whose latest role in a vampire flick has been jeopardized by his petrifying fear of enclosed spaces, is given the seemingly enviable task of housesitting for his buddy Sam’s monumental space-age bachelor pad. While there, he becomes obsessed with Sam’s seductive exhibitionist neighbor, who seems to put on a solo show every night at the same time. Thus begins a highly self-aware, vertiginous descent into extreme voyeurism, madness, double crosses, role playing, early VHS, and the sordid world of burgeoning video porn. Highly controversial in its day, Body Double is at once genuinely scary and very funny, featuring Melanie Griffith’s breakthrough performance as adult film star Holly Body, who ties the twisty narrative together. Tickets: $17.50 / $12 senior and students / $10 youth (ages 3–17) / free for MoMI members at the Senior/Student level and above. There is a $1.50 transaction fee per ticket for all online purchases. The cost of admission may be applied toward a same-day purchase of a membership. Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission.