Cast
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Donald Sutherland
as Andy Hammon
Jennifer O'Neill
as Paula Booth
Robert Duvall
as Ford Pierce
Patrick Magee
as Paul Booth
Jon Cypher
as Eddie Stell
Eric Braeden
as Peter Brinker
Buffy Dee
as Tony Lacava ("The Fat Man")
Perry Lopez
as Carlos
Charles J. Swepeniser
as Robber #1
Edward Biagianti
as Robber #2
Zvee Scooler
as Jeweler
Sol Frieder
as Jeweler
Berenice Clayre
as Head Matron
Crew
Director
- Tom Gries
Producer
- Harrison Starr
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Though there were times when I enjoyed Donald Sutherland's cheeky, rebellious, style of characterisation, for the most part I never really understood why he was such a success. Versatile he isn't, and here though easily stealing the limelight, he does very little with a weak plot, a thinly spread story and a co-star who smiles a lot! He is insurance investigator "Andy" who robs a gangster of a necklace which he then uses to try to lure "Paula" (Jennifer O'Neill) into disclosing her secrets as a highly effective jewel fencer. Of course, she isn't that dumb - even if she is the crook in question, and so for the next ninety minutes we plays a sort of cat and mouse game between the two that errs all too often on the side of predictable romance. It's all rather flat and by-the-numbers with an underwhelming Robert Duvall and an out of sorts Patrick Magee both failing to add much lustre to this not very shiny drama. It's got made for television written all over it, and I was frankly rather bored by it all. Maybe fans of Sutherland might enjoy it to complete a list, but it has little else to recommend it, sorry.
Aug 10, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Lady Ice examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Tom Gries brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1973, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Lady Ice took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Lady Ice shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Pressure, which focuses more on action than character development, Lady Ice subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Speed 2: Cruise Control and Miami Vice explore similar territory, Lady Ice stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 13, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 33m
Where to Watch
