Beat "Fatal Attraction" to theaters by 16 years

This was Clint Eastwood's debut as a director, the obvious precursor to the more popular "Fatal Attraction." The story and acting are realistic, which I find refreshing, as well as engaging. One of the highlights is the gorgeous Carmel coastal locations.

I don't find Jessica Walter very attractive so I can't relate to Eastwood's interest in her in the story, but -- then again -- maybe that's why he just wanted to "use her and lose her." Also, I feel he should have caught on a bit quicker that she was too clingy and looney; I would have.

I realize that his attitude toward women and sex in the story simply reflects that post-Woodstock era, but doesn't he share at least some of the blame for the problems that ensue? In the film Clint's character views sex as a mere physical encounter and Misty as a throwaway object in which he can satisfy his lust and pride. On the contrary, Misty is a real person who understandably sees their sexual union as something deeper. Something not just physical, but emotional and perhaps spiritual as well. Is it any wonder that she starts to increasingly lose it after Eastwood breaks off the relationship? Not that I'm justifying her actions.

I'm not preachin' here anymore than the film itself. I'm just pointing out how "Play Misty for Me" potently illustrates the possible consequences of treating people like throwaway sex objects. In the vast majority of cases, of course, the consequences aren't nearly as extreme, but there are always repercussions, even if it's just a broken or hardened heart. Try as we might, separating the physical from the emotional/spiritual is a lost cause.

It's a deceptively quiet film that slowly builds momentum to an emotionally explosive climax. It probably won't blow you away or anything, but it gave me everything I could want in this type of film.