The Naked Face (film)

The Naked Face (film)
source
Name	The Naked Face
Director	Bryan Forbes
Producer	Menahem Golan, Yoram Globus
Based on	The Naked Face, Sidney Sheldon
Writer	Bryan Forbes
Starring	Roger Moore, Rod Steiger, Elliott Gould, Art Carney, Anne Archer
Music	Michael J. Lewis
Cinematography	David Gurfinkel
Editing	John Jympson
Studio	Cannon Films
Distributor	Cannon Film Distributors
Released	1984, 10, 05, United States
Runtime	103 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

The Naked Face (film) is a 1984 American mystery thriller film directed by Bryan Forbes and starring Roger Moore. Based on the 1970 novel of the same name by Sidney Sheldon, the film follows a psychoanalyst in Chicago who becomes the target of a violent conspiracy after two of his patients are murdered. Produced by Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus for Cannon Films, the movie features a supporting cast including Rod Steiger, Elliott Gould, and Anne Archer. Despite its star power, the film was a critical and commercial failure upon its initial release.

Plot

Respected Chicago psychoanalyst Dr. Judd Stevens finds his orderly life shattered when one of his patients is brutally murdered. The situation escalates when a second patient is killed, and Stevens himself survives a violent attack, making him the prime suspect for Lieutenant Angelo of the Chicago Police Department. As Stevens investigates with the help of his friend, private detective Lt. McGreavy, he uncovers a web of deception involving a powerful organized crime syndicate. The conspiracy is linked to a former patient, John R. O'Brien, whose criminal empire is threatened by Stevens's psychiatric insights. The climax unfolds at O'Hare International Airport, where Stevens confronts the true mastermind behind the murders.

Cast

* Roger Moore as Dr. Judd Stevens * Rod Steiger as Lieutenant Mike Angelo * Elliott Gould as Detective Lt. McGreavy * Art Carney as Morgue Attendant * Anne Archer as Ann Blake * David Hedison as Dr. Peter Hadley * Steve Inwood as John R. O'Brien * Dey Young as Cindy * John Glover as Clements * Patrick O'Neal as Dr. Arnold Walton

Production

The film is an adaptation of the debut novel by bestselling author Sidney Sheldon. Cannon Films principals Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus acquired the rights and hired Bryan Forbes to write the screenplay and direct. Roger Moore, fresh from his role as James Bond, was cast against type in a more dramatic, non-action role. Principal photography took place in Chicago, utilizing locations such as the city's downtown and O'Hare International Airport. The score was composed by Michael J. Lewis, and cinematography was handled by David Gurfinkel.

Release

The Naked Face was released in the United States on October 5, 1984, by Cannon Film Distributors. Its theatrical run was extremely limited and it performed poorly at the box office. The film was subsequently released on VHS and Betamax formats by Media Home Entertainment. In later years, it received DVD releases in various regions, including a 2005 edition from MGM Home Entertainment as part of their limited-run series.

Reception

Upon release, the film was almost universally panned by critics. Reviewers criticized the convoluted plot, sluggish pacing, and perceived miscasting of Roger Moore, with many noting his discomfort in a dramatic role outside of the James Bond franchise. The performance was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor. Despite the negative contemporary reception, the film has garnered a minor cult following in subsequent decades for its unintentional camp value and as a curiosity in the careers of Moore and the Cannon Films canon.