I’m a sucker for a slice of Jeff Fahey in my movies, add in Ben Gazarra, Mia Sara, an old fashioned noir plot and we have a fascinating TV Movie.
Originally debuting in the US on TV, Blindsided was a direct to video thriller that popped up at my local UK video library one week and I just had to give it a go. I’m relatively certain that the film has been ignored for a release since the VHS format and I would suggest it as another cable plot boiler like Overdrive which I recently looked at, however, this really is much better.
Fahey is Frank, a burglar tasked with stealing some cash from a car dealership. A light bit of capering later we see Fahey stash the money only to be double crossed and shot in the back. Surviving the shooting the bullet nips a nerve causing a temporary loss of vision and Fahey undergoes an operation that might restore his vision, however, he takes time to hide out and heal in a fancy off season hotel. Whilst at the hotel Fahey encounters a mysterious lady played by Sara who disappears and he risks life and limb to find her.
Blindsided is surprisingly plot heavy and talky. There is little in the way of action, despite how the trailer makes it look and leans more into stylish intrigue. Director Thomas Donnelly has captured a somewhat typical look and feel for 90’s cable movies, however, I would suggest that at the time it was fresh and exciting. Utilising dark visuals highlighted by pastel colours and wavering muted trumpets in the score evokes a nostalgic feel to the thrillers of the 1950’s, with a bucket load of colour. Blindsided will hold your attention throughout and excels at doing what became par for the course during the period.
Fahey, fresh off the painfulThe Lawnmower Man and the quality Sketch Artist (amongst a fair few other films that year) is great in the lead, however, the character is hardly a stretch for him. Fahey is partially good at playing the anti-hero, cutting a likeable demeanour, yet possessing a particularly dangerous side. Sara is stunning as the mysterious Chandler. You can understand Fahey’s infatuation and willingness to risk his life to find her, especially as he is able to see her and falls for her purely through her voice. Gazzara plays Fahey’s ex-partner and has a blast as a grizzled dog with advice to share. Jack Kehler gets to play a dastardly villain, violent and scary, and seems to be giving it a damn good shake.
Whilst the film is lacking in any real spectacle, especially during the climax, there is enough mystery and good performances to keep the audience’s attention from waning. The film stood out for me as a solid and unfairly forgotten serving of noir that deserves to resurface. The temporary blindness aspect adds a lot of tension as Fahey has an obvious handicap when, however, he adapts to the life changing event making astute deductions, like he had been visually impaired his whole life.
Blindsided is much better than you could expect and deserves to be resurrected. It’s an honest, well made Wednesday night thriller with pretty people double crossing one another with a little artist style. Those who have seen it, enjoy it.
Blindsided received a few variations for VHS covers when released. I picked up the middle UK 15 rated copy and I would dare say this might have hampered desirability as it really looks like an art house movie that might turn most video renters away when released. The superior US cover to the right was used more widely and for the subsequent Laserdisc release.
Sadly, you only have the choice of VHS or Laserdisc. The UK VHS is thankfully not a hugely expensive pick up.
Blindsided, like so many, is not available to stream at the time of writing.
So importing the Laserdisc from the US will be the best way to see this, if you have the hardware 🙁
