REMEMBERING DONALD SUTHERLAND
The late, great Donald Sutherland plays a ruthless, murderous German World War II spy in this British thriller. Henry Faber (Sutherland) is on his way back home from England after gathering information about the D-Day invasion for Hitler. Henry, who is actually the "Needle," a name that refers to his favorite method of killing, becomes stranded on Storm Island with Lucy (Kate Nelligan) and her husband, David (Christopher Cazenove). Sutherland's menacing performance and the events on the island turn it into something approaching a study in psychopathy, laden with uncertainty and fear. The vulnerability of Lucy, a sensitive and intelligent, but definitely pre-feminist woman, helps to give the film an added poignancy. Sutherland's performance is such that we are always fascinated by the damaged and ruthless character he portrays. Directed by Richard Marquand. (1981, 112 min.)
