
Cul-de-Sac
1966, Comedy, 1h 50m
24 Reviews 2,500+ RatingsYou might also like

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Where to watch
Cul-de-Sac Photos
Movie Info
When on-the-lam crook Richard (Lionel Stander) and his injured partner-in-crime, Albie (Jack MacGowran), seek shelter in a remote castle by the sea, they find themselves confronted by the owners -- George (Donald Pleasence), an eccentric and weak retiree, and his oversexed wife, Teresa (Françoise Dorléac). Richard seizes control of the castle, but, as the criminals are pulled further into the isolated world of the strange couple, a volatile test of wills ensues.
Cast & Crew
Donald Pleasence
George
George
Françoise Dorléac
Teresa
Teresa
Lionel Stander
Richard
Richard
Jack MacGowran
Albie
Albie
Iain Quarrier
Christopher
Christopher
Jacqueline Bisset
Jacqueline
Jacqueline
Critic Reviews for Cul-de-Sac
Audience Reviews for Cul-de-Sac
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Apr 28, 2022I dunno, a lot of the provocations here are pretty derivative of what had already been happening in theatre at the time and after awhile it becomes tedious.Alec B Super Reviewer
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Jul 26, 2012Cul-De-Sac is Polanskis favorite film an its truly a unique and Ironic one. It was shot so perfectly,every single angle was perfect. Polanski created a new world on this island. A new isolated strange disastrous world. This is what shows that he is the bet director, ever. The plot is simple, a man who gets in "trouble" holds a married couple hostage. He ruins there telephone, chicken ken, and there relationship. The wife seems to wear the pants in the relationship and the husband is a coward. It is something new but it's not something great. Good but not great, as I would call his films of The Pianist, Rosemary's Baby, and Chinatown. It's Black & White which gives it a mediaeval effect which is reflected in the beautiful character of the wife, who was casted at the last moment. I can see why some call it the best and why some hate it, I certainly don't feel either. It is enjoyable and is the first and last of its type, therefore as an art house film it gets a positive rating from me.Daniel D Super Reviewer
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Dec 24, 2011Reminds me of "A Clockwork Orange" but goes farther in depicting and giving a sense of alienation Confusing and compelling film from the first few minutes to the last. Very quirky characters in a very absurdist story. Dickie, a gangster, comes to a remote island castle to contact his boss to come pick him up. His stay at the castle involves taking the couple who live there hostage. His weird associate dies there and things get even crazier when the couple receive some unexpected guests and Dickie must play butler. Interesting to watch despite being very out there. The characters of George and Teresa are very disturbing to watch because their relationship is quite strange. Overall a good and unique film viewing experience.G S Super Reviewer
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Nov 29, 2011"Cul-de-sac" is an absolute madhouse of a film. Unpleasant as it is to watch, there are some interesting scenes that are occasionally very funny. Muddled cinematography doesn't make looking at "Cul-de-sac" an easy task, but the acting is so wacked-out and crazy that it's very hard to look away. Overall, "Cul-de-sac" is a a very, very strange film. Those accustomed to mainstream cinema should look elsewhere.Stephen E Super Reviewer
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