Shadows In An Empty Room

Shadows In An Empty Room is a crime thriller that was released in 1976. Directed by Alberto De Martino and starring Stuart Whitman, John Saxon, and Martin Landau, it is a classic example of the genre that captures the tensions of the 1970s. The movie tells the story of Detective Sergeant Tony Saitta (Whitman), who is tracking down a psychopathic killer named George Tracer (Saxon).

The movie opens with Tracer, a man with a deep hatred for women, brutally murdering a young woman in her apartment in Canada. Saitta, a police detective based in Montreal, is assigned to the case alongside his partner Sergeant Ned Matthews (Gabriele Lavia). The two policemen start their investigation by questioning the victim's boyfriend, a man named Robert Lassiter (Elio Zamuto).

As the investigation progresses, Saitta realizes that Tracer is connected to a string of unsolved murders of young women across the United States. After some research, Saitta eventually tracks Tracer to Florida, where he confronts him in a bar. This confrontation leads to a thrilling car chase through the Florida Keys that is one of the standout scenes of the movie.

Martin Landau appears in the film as the brother of one of the victims, who hires a hitman to try and kill Tracer. The hitman, played by Tisa Farrow, adds another layer to the movie's already intense atmosphere. The character of Tracer is one of the most compelling elements of the movie, boasting a twisted and terrifying personality that will send shivers down the spine of the viewer.

Whitman delivers an impressive performance as Saitta, playing the part of the tough and determined detective with a no-nonsense attitude. The character's relentless dedication to catching Tracer is the driving force of the movie and keeps the story moving at a fast pace. Saxon, too, is excellent in his role as the psychotic killer, convincingly portraying the character's unpredictable behavior and twisted worldview.

The film was shot on location in both Montreal and Florida, which adds to its gritty and realistic feel. The cinematography is also well done, with the use of shadows and darkness giving the movie a noir-esque quality. The score is suitably tense and dramatic, adding to the movie's suspenseful atmosphere.

One of the strengths of Shadows In An Empty Room is the way it incorporates elements from different genres. The movie is a crime thriller at heart, but it also includes elements of horror and action. There are several intense and bloody scenes, which heighten the tension and increase the stakes for the main characters.

Overall, Shadows In An Empty Room is a classic example of a crime thriller that captures the spirit of the 1970s. With its intense atmosphere, solid performances, and thrilling action sequences, it is a movie that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. If you're a fan of crime movies or just looking for a thrilling ride, this film is definitely worth checking out.