Word About Biehn

Although I always find it difficult to watch Michael play bad guys, with The Fan it becomes a test of endurance. It is almost painful to see him trapped in this ill-conceived and unsavory film, which simply does not work. In tone, in editing, in writing, and even in acting, it fails, despite the presence of major stars Lauren Bacall and James Garner, who throughout give the impression of wishing they were anywhere else.

In brief, The Fan is Douglas Breen (Michael), a handsome young man, who is obsessed with Sally Ross (Bacall), star of stage and screen. He signs his many letters to her "your greatest fan" and fantasizes about a personal and sexual relationship with her. From the beginning, we are aware that his interest goes beyond the level of fan to that of fanatic. We watch as his sick mind grows more and more deranged, leading him to stalk, assault and murder those close to Sally and ultimately to focus his deadly dementia on Sally herself.

For the viewer, following along with Douglas as he descends deeper into madness is not a pleasant trip. There is little to lighten the oppressive atmosphere of the film. The script is without humor. The characters we are supposed to like aren't particularly likable, and Garner and Bacall, both generally very fine actors, have little chemistry together and give unconvincing and perfunctory performances. The pacing is tedious; the editing is unimaginative and frequently abrupt. And the final triumphant musical is in reality a bomb.

It is unfortunate that the film is such a poor one, because Michael does do some effective work in it. For one thing, he seems the only one present to care about it all, and in Douglas he creates a persona that is truly frightening. He approaches the role with a certain stoicism, but his very calm works to create menace. The handsomeness and normalcy of his face along with the softness of his voice serve to set off the perversity of his pathological mind. Despite his uphill battle with a lame script and lethargic co-stars, Michael still somehow manages to communicate a message of insanity and terror. The Fan does have one redeeming quality: Michael!

Kay