Kathryn Bigelow’s Blue Steel, released in theaters on March 16, 1990, remains a taut, stylish, and often unsettling thriller that deserves a reappraisal on its 35th anniversary. Starring Jamie Lee Curtis in a powerful performance, the film explores the dark side of obsession and the blurred lines between law and disorder.
Curtis plays Megan Turner, a rookie NYPD officer who becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Eugene Hunt (Ron Silver), a charismatic but psychopathic Wall Street trader. After shooting a robber in self-defense, Megan’s gun is stolen, and Eugene begins using it to commit a series of increasingly violent crimes. He becomes fixated on Megan, drawn to her power and her uniform, blurring the lines of professional and personal danger.
Curtis delivers a remarkable performance, showcasing her range and intensity. She portrays Megan’s strength and vulnerability with equal conviction, capturing the character’s determination to uphold the law while grappling with her own fears and insecurities.
Silver is equally impressive as Eugene Hunt, delivering a chilling portrayal of a charming sociopath. His performance is both seductive and terrifying, making him a truly memorable villain.
The supporting cast, including Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption), Richard Jenkins, Elizabeth Pena, Louise Fletcher, Kevin Dunn, Philip Bosco and Tom Sizemore, provides solid support, adding depth and complexity to the film’s narrative. The film addresses themes of gender dynamics within law enforcement, and the psychological impact of violence on both the victim and the perpetrator.
Blue Steel excels in its ability to create a palpable sense of tension and unease. Bigelow’s direction is sharp and precise, utilizing visual cues and sound design to heighten the film’s suspense. The film’s gritty, urban setting adds to the sense of realism and danger, creating a world where violence can erupt at any moment.
Jamie Lee Curtis in Blue Steel (Photo/MGM)
Reception for Blue Steel
Blue Steel grossed $2.4 million on its opening weekend, finishing in fifth place at the box office.
The top film for the week was The Hunt for Red October starring Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin, grossing $11.1 million in its third week of release.
Blue Steel would gross $8.2 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars in his review, saying “Blue Steel is a sophisticated update of Halloween, the movie that first made Jamie Lee Curtis a star.”
Legacy
Blue Steel is more than just a standard thriller. It delves into the psychological motivations of its characters, exploring the dark impulses that drive them. It challenges viewers to confront the uncomfortable realities of violence and the fragility of law and order. It’s a gripping, underrated gem that deserves to be rediscovered.
