What Lies Beneath
What Lies Beneath is a fascinating title. Are we, the viewers, asked a
direct question, or are we given a statement of factuality? We know
something wicked has happened as we get our first glimpse of the submerged
plankton lake where "she" shows her face to us and slowly sinks back into
her watery grave. Norman (Harrison Ford) and Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer)
have moved into their dream home -- only to have Claire become preoccupied
with the strange goings on of her neighbors and then ridden with
insecurities, confusion, and a dangerous attraction to the spirit of a
murdered young woman whose resemblance is strikingly compared to hers. With
the help of her husband, Norman, the two try to piece together the clues
from Claire's unwanted visitor who is haunting their home and ruining both
of their lives as it brings Claire and Norman closer to unraveling the
truth.
So pretty are the views of this quiet Vermont town and cozy home by the
lake. The house itself is a center of attraction, mystery, and tension as
it overlooks the "peaceful" lake. It lures and charms you into a safe
haven, only to eat away at your nerves with the unexplainable presence
being felt by the homeowners. Pfeiffer's performance illuminates fragility,
smartness, and inner strength to her character. Ford's is scrumptiously
diabolic. They make a great pair and bring credibility to their roles. I
remember watching some behind-the-scenes footage of the making of this
movie and finding out Pfeiffer had to overcome her fear of water. That is
what makes this movie so impressively "real" -- when a part of yourself is
brought to the character.
Watching "What Lies Beneath" at night definitely enhances the spooky,
shivering horror of a tortured lost soul looking for an end to the
suffering. The music is just plain creepy! That's good, though, it's
supposed to be creepy! What Lies Beneath is a good heart-pounding thriller.
It will leave you guessing and surprise you with a frightening,
bone-quivering ending.
Written by: Lynda Dale MacLean
Reviewers Rating: 8
Reader's Rating: 8.66
Reader's Votes: 9
Added: 28-Sep-2002
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