The Bedroom Window, released in theaters on January 16, 1987, was directed by Curtis Hanson and based on the novel The Witnesses by Anne Holden. The film is a tightly wound Hitchcockian thriller that explores the disastrous consequences of a single, impulsive lie that stars Steve Guttenberg as Terry Lambert, an architect having a secret affair with his boss’s beautiful, but troubled, wife, Sylvia Wentworth (Isabelle Huppert).
The plot is set in motion when Sylvia, shaken after witnessing a violent assault on a young woman from Terry’s bedroom window, refuses to go to the police for fear of exposing her affair.
To protect her, Terry decides to report the crime himself, claiming that he was the sole witness, offering an altered description of the assailant.
However, when the police apprehend a suspect, Terry finds himself in deep legal trouble because his fabricated testimony doesn’t align with the facts.
The situation spirals out of control when the real assailant realizes that Terry’s false testimony could implicate him.
Terry is forced to desperately chase down the truth and protect Sylvia, who is now being hunted by the killer.
The narrative becomes a tense race for Terry to prove his innocence and expose the killer, all while navigating the complexities of the legal system and the disbelief of the authorities.
The supporting cast features a memorable turn by Elizabeth McGovern as Denise, the victim of the assault, who initially seems skeptical of Terry’s claims.
Paul Shenar stands out as Collin Wentworth, Terry’s boss.
Wallace Shawn, Frederick Coffin and Maury Chaykin also appear in brief roles.
Steve Guttenberg in The Bedroom Window (Photo/De Laurentiis Entertainment Group)
Reception for The Bedroom Window
The Bedroom Window grossed $2.9 million on its opening weekend, finishing seventh at the box office, narrowly edging out Wanted: Dead or Alive, which earned $2.8 million.
The film grossed $12.6 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
The legacy of The Bedroom Window is largely tied to its director Curtis Hanson, who would go on to master the thriller genre with films like Bad Influence, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and L.A. Confidential.
The film is recognized as a smart, stylish mystery that successfully updates classic themes of voyeurism and mistaken identity, offering a surprisingly compelling dramatic vehicle for Guttenberg, who was previously known mainly for comedy roles.
