A Perfect Murder (1998) | Presenting Hitchcock Podcast

Gooooood evening. In this month’s episode of Presenting Hitchcock, Cory and Aaron are mixing up the formula as they discuss A Perfect Murder.

Written by: Patrick Smith Kelly
Based on the play “Dial M For Murder” by Frederick Knott

Starring: Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow, Viggo Mortensen, and David Suchet

Directed by: Andrew Davis

Trailer:

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Hitchcock Comparisons:

• Dial M For Murder

The title “A Perfect Murder” was taken from Alfred Hitchcock’s original adaptation.

This is the first of two Alfred Hitchcock remakes that Viggo Mortensen appeared in that were released in 1998, the second being Psycho (1998).

This movie was made by the same makers of The Fugitive (1993). Andrew Davis directed, Arnold Kopelson produced, and James Newton Howard scored the film. Michael Douglas was considered to play Dr. Richard Kimble before his friend Harrison Ford got the part.

An alternate ending exists. In this version, Steven comes back from finding the key replaced where he had hidden it and Emily confronts him in the kitchen rather than in their foyer. The scene plays out with the same dialogue, but Steven never physically attacks her. He still tells her that the only way she’ll leave him is dead, and she shoots him. Steven then says “You won’t get away with this” before dying and Emily purposely injures herself, making it look like self defence.

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Next up, we’ll be discussing Midnight Lace

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