This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (August 2016) |
Schizoid (also known as Murder by Mail) is a 1980 American psychological horror film directed and written by David Paulsen.[3]
Schizoid | |
---|---|
Directed by | David Paulsen |
Written by | David Paulsen[1] |
Produced by | |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Norman Leigh[1] |
Edited by |
|
Music by | Craig Hundley[1] |
Production company | Golan-Globus Productions[1] |
Distributed by | Cannon Group |
Release date |
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Running time | 89 minutes[1] |
Country | United States[1] |
Language | English[1] |
Budget | $350,000[2] |
Plot
Julie (Marianna Hill) is an advice columnist for the city newspaper who begins to receive anonymous notes threatening murder and worse. At about the same time, female members of the group therapy session she attends are being stabbed, one by one, by an unknown assailant. Is there a connection? If so, why do the notes talk about murder with a gun, while the murder victims are being stabbed? At first, the police, her ex-husband, her therapist and her friends all assure her that the notes are probably unrelated and a hoax; but with time, it becomes apparent that someone close to her is responsible.
Cast
- Klaus Kinski as Pieter Fales
- Marianna Hill as Julie Caffret
- Craig Wasson as Doug Caffret
- Donna Wilkes as Alison Fales
- Christopher Lloyd as Gilbert
- Richard Herd as Lieutenant Donahue
- Joe Regalbuto as Detective Jake
- Flo Gerrish as Pat
- Kiva Lawrence as Rosemary Boyle
Production
In a February 20, 1980 issue of The Hollywood Reporter, the film was announced as to start its principal photography on 13 March 1980 under the title Molded to Murder.[1] It was announced in March that the film's title had been changed to Murder by Mail.[1] The film was announced for sale at the Cannes International Film Festival Market, but was not screened for potential buyers.[1]
Release
Schizoid was first shown in Detroit and Cleveland on 5 September 1980.[1] It later opened in Los Angeles on 10 October 1980.[1] The Hollywood Reporter announced that in its first month on release the film grossed over $4 million in the United States.[1]
Reception
Critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert discussed the film on an October 23, 1980 episode of Sneak Previews, and they found the film "gruesome and despicable" and "expressing hatred for woman."[1]
References
Sources
- Edwards, Matthew (2017). Twisted Visions: Interviews with Cult Horror Filmmakers. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. ISBN 978-1-476-66376-0.
External links
- Schizoid at IMDb
- Schizoid at Rotten Tomatoes