“Jack’s Back” (1988) is a thriller about a copycat killer who mimics the crimes of Jack the Ripper. The movie follows a doctor investigating the murders, who soon becomes a target. The plot twists and turns like a labyrinth, keeping you on edge until the very end. With suspense that grips you like a vice, “Jack’s Back” is not for the faint of heart.
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Review
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the famed Colombian writer and Nobel laureate of magical realism, once wrote: “What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it”. This quote aptly captures the essence of the 1988 suspense movie “Jack’s Back”, directed by Rowdy Herrington. In this film, Herrington weaves a tapestry of memorable characters, thrilling plot twists, and haunting imagery that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
The setting is Los Angeles in the late 1980s. It is a city rife with crime and corruption, where danger lurks around every corner. Against this backdrop, we are introduced to the twin siblings John and Rick Wesford (played by James Spader), who are as different as night and day. John is a successful doctor committed to helping his patients while Rick lives on the edge and can often be found at sleazy bars.
Their worlds collide when prostitutes begin turning up dead in their neighborhood, victims of a serial killer known as “Jack”. The police are unable to solve the case but when John stumbles upon his dead brother’s body he finds himself playing detective in an effort to clear Rick’s name. As he delves deeper into the mystery of Jack’s identity, he discovers shocking secrets about his brother and begins to suspect that no one is who they seem.
One of the most striking aspects of this film is its use of doppelgangers. The fact that James Spader plays two completely different characters adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. At times it becomes difficult to distinguish between John and Rick which leaves viewers guessing until the very end.
Another standout element is Mark Isham’s score which masterfully sets the tone for each scene. From tense moments of suspense to melancholic reflections on loss, Isham creates emotional depth that allows viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
The cinematography is also noteworthy. Herrington and his team made excellent use of the L.A. cityscape to create a sense of foreboding and unease. The camera lingers on dark alleyways, seedy bars, and desolate suburban streets – all serving as reminders that danger can be found anywhere in this urban jungle.
The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast including Cynthia Gibb as Chris Moscari, a prostitute who becomes an unlikely ally for John in his quest for the truth, and Rod Loomis as Dr. Carlos Battera, John’s mentor who has his own secrets to hide.
Despite its many strengths, “Jack’s Back” did not receive much attention upon its initial release. Critics noted that the film was too derivative of other serial killer movies of the time such as “Manhunter” and “Silence of the Lambs”. However, over time it has gained a cult following thanks to its unique blend of suspenseful plot twists, memorable characters, and haunting imagery.
In conclusion, “Jack’s Back” is a film that deserves to be remembered for its exceptional storytelling. Rowdy Herrington masterfully weaves a tale that keeps viewers guessing until the very end with its outstanding performances from James Spader and Cynthia Gibb along with an immersive score by Mark Isham. The film’s use of doppelgangers, cinematography, and supporting cast all contribute to making it an unforgettable experience. As Gabriel Garcia Marquez once said: “No medicine cures what happiness cannot”. For those looking for a thrilling ride through Los Angeles’ dark underbelly – “Jack’s Back” might just be the ticket to happiness.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 97
- Release : 1988-05-06
- Genre : Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Crime
- Cast : James Spader as John Allen Wesford / Richard Wesford, Cynthia Gibb as Christina “Chris” Moscari, Jim Haynie as Sgt. Gabriel, Robert Picardo as Dr. Carlos Battera, Rod Loomis as Dr. Sidney Tannerson
- Crew : Shelly Johnson as Director of Photography, Harry B. Miller III as Editor, Harry B. Miller III as Sound Supervisor, Greg P. Russell as Sound Mixer, Mary McLaglen as Production Manager
- Popularity 6.656
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Cinema Group, Palisades Entertainment
- Summary : A young doctor is suspected when a series of Jack the Ripper copycat killings is committed. However, when the doctor himself is murdered, his identical twin brother claims to have seen visions of the true killer.
- Tagline : One hundred years ago, in the City of London, in the East-End slum of Whitechapel, a man shocked the world by murdering, raping and mutilating five women. He was never caught.
