Eyes of Laura Mars

Ah, sadly gone are the days when a new Faye Dunaway movie would excite moviegoers and make them flock to the cineplex. Instead, we look back to films from the past where the star would chew scenery but reportedly cause friction on movie sets. "Eyes of Laura Mars" from 1978 was supposed to star Barbra Streisand originally, and Ms. Dunaway took over the reigns instead as the title character.

A co-screenplay writing credit goes to none other than horror master John Carpenter for the film, now out on Blu-ray in a mostly bare bones edition from Mill Creek Entertainment. Carpenter wasn't happy with the final result, and rightfully so. It was changed dramatically, resulting in an overwrought execution that results in a typical tepid thriller.

Lady Dunaway, however, gives it her all. While a far cry from her over-the-top performance later on in "Mommie Dearest," some claim it was this 1978 potboiler that ruined her once-promising career. The story of fashion photographer Laura Mars, who witnesses murders while they're occurring – from the point of view of an unknown killervdoesn't make a lick of sense. For example, why does Laura Mars suddenly become a visionary psychic when she never had the ability before? That question never gets answered in the film's 104-minute running time.

Other questions arise that make one ponder while viewing the Blu-ray:

- Why is the killer gouging out the eyes of its victims?
- How come a detective (Tommy Lee Jones) appears virtually out of nowhere and starts being nice to Laura Mars?
- Is it safe to have multiple cars burning while female models pose in front of them for a photo shoot?

The ludicrous tone of "Eyes of Laura Mars" becomes justified somewhat in the Blu-ray's sole special feature, an audio commentary from director Irvin Kershner. He describes the tensions on the set, the revamping of John Carpenter's original screenplay, and his praise for Dunaway's performance...the film's one saving grace.

"Eyes of Laura Mars"
Blu-ray
$29.99
https://www.millcreekent.com/eyes-of-laura-mars-blu-ray.html