Eye of the Needle (1981)

disgusting, overrated, pointless

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

The acting in this movie is really good.

Hiding behind the mask of calm solitude, Nazi German spy Donald Sutherland is as quiet a killing machine as he is a lover. Having British secrets on the intention of a full scale on Germany, Sutherland doesn't hesitate to knife anybody who stands in his way, even co-conspirators he feels might reveal too much if captured. While trying to get the information to a German submarine, his boat capsizes, and he ends up on a British island where he is nursed back to health by the unhappily married Kate Nelligan and Christopher Cazenove, crippled in a car accident on their wedding night. Sutherland's presence brings out a longing for love by Nelligan and suspicion by Cazenove, and as Nelligan gets clues of her own, she realizes that she's fallen in love with a monster. Subtle and mesmerizing, this gives an on-site into the insanity which took over the minds who chose to follow the Nazi regime. The story switches back and forth between the British investigation as to his whereabouts and Nelligan's plot to prevent him from going any further. The strength of individuals determined to stop evil keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the fact that Sutherland delivers such a quiet, often thoughtful performance, makes his character all the more creepy. This may not be in the realm of other recent Nazi related movies (such as "Marathon Man" and "The Boys From Brazil"), but it's extremely riveting none the less.

I don't know what it is about Donald Sutherland's acting style, or vocal style, but he always seems to be acting from behind a massive wad of soggy Kleenex. He's just...I don't know, THICK? Somnambulistic? On meds? Weird.That said, I just saw the flick again for the first time since its original release, and frankly, I don't remember it ending anything LIKE that. A bad ending, too, because nothing gets tied off. What about the dead husband? The annoying child (and was the kid dubbed?)? The Scotland Yard and military pursuers? I would have liked something wrapping things up and giving some dramatic closure to it all, not just the big panoramic pull-away.And what woman sleeps with the man she knows just killed her husband? Even if she was trying to allay Needle's suspicions to protect her kid, she could always have had a headache. That last encounter made me feel way too itchy and uncomfortable...

Another role for donald sutherland playing a German following on from 'the eagle has landed' but in this film donald sutherland plays central character and is main star. An intriguing film and a great story again about a German spy in the uk. It makes for tension, drama and suspense because he's placed with an unsuspecting family and part of tension is that he has romance with his hosts wife as well being undercover spy making contact with Germany. the rugged scenery of Scottish isles where spy donald sutherland is stranded adds to film. good scenes include where spy sutherland reveals ruthless side and when spies identity discovered. a film more subdued than faster moving 'eagle has landed' but good film to watch

Though the story stretches the limits of credibility, "Eye of the Needle" is so well played, it's easy to go along with this joy ride. There's lots of suspense, especially in the second half when it all comes down to a classic stormy night with a mad killer on the loose. The contrivance to get to that point is thoughtfully conceived, well executed and quite convincing. In the role of "The Needle," Donald Sutherland is in his element as a menacing psychopath, who turns out to have a tiny soft spot. Kate Nelligan shows lots of range as the lonely, frustrated and ultimately heroic keeper of the kingdom. Nicely directed by Richard Marquand ("Jagged Edge"," another taut thriller) with enough jolts throughout to keep us on the edge of our seats. Beautiful scenery of the Scottish coast helps set the mood. Also notable is one of the final scores by the great Miklos Rozsa – nothing groundbreaking, but Rozsa sure knew how to add impact with music. This is a fine film that can be enjoyed by those who don't even like war movies.