The Visitors (1972)
A former soldier in Vietnam, now happily living out in the country with his girlfriend and their young son find their lives in turmoil when two acquaintances from his platoon show up unannounced.
Directed by Elia Kazan (On the Waterfront), The Visitors is a languidly paced drama showing us how traumatic events in young soldiers lives can overspill into their home life once they are discharged. As soon as the two visitors show up the film takes a sharp turn and an atmosphere of slow burning dread takes over. It's dark hearted influence can be felt in Last House on the Left or The House on the Edge of the Park rather than the typical Vietnam fayre. A fear that inevitably something bad is going to happen.
James Woods in his film debut is excellent as farmer with a conscience Bill, as is fellow debutant Steve Railsback, portraying brooding, simmering menace perfectly.
Kazan's film is a low budget, grimy looking film that suits the bleak, suspenseful content on show. Due to unflinching depictions of rape and the slaughter of a dog, The Visitors may not be for all, but for those who give it a try their patience will surely be rewarded come the matter of fact final denouement .
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