THERE IS NOTHING IN THE DARK THAT ISN’T THERE IN THE LIGHT. EXCEPT FEAR.

When he’s released after serving 14 years in prison for rape and battery, Max Cady (Robert De Niro) looks up his former attorney, Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte), hoping to exact revenge on him and his family.

Martin Scorsese’s take on this story was more inspired by the 1962 film than the novel, adding a few more changes. It’s also been modernized in its more explicit use of violence and sexual overtones. De Niro’s performance turns this villain into a nightmarish, almost biblically evil monster.

Too over-the-top for some tastes, but it’s hard to look away from the flashy camera work, that cast, and Elmer Bernstein’s muscular, faithful interpretation of Bernard Herrmann’s score.

1991-U.S. 128 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Martin Scorsese. Screenplay: Wesley Strick. Novel: John D. MacDonald (”The Executioners”). Cinematography: Freddie Francis. Cast: Robert De Niro (Max Cady), Nick Nolte (Sam Bowden), Jessica Lange (Leigh Bowden), Juliette Lewis, Joe Don Baker, Robert Mitchum, Gregory Peck, Martin Balsam, Illeana Douglas, Fred Dalton Thompson. 

Trivia: Steven Spielberg considered directing the film. Harrison Ford was considered for the part of Bowden. 

Last word: “The main thing was Freddie’s understanding of the concept of the Gothic atmosphere. He knows the atmosphere that I want for this picture. He knows the lighting — whatever it takes to get that incredible, Gothic thriller look. He understands the obligatory scene of a young maiden with a candle walking down a long hall towards a door. ‘Don’t go in that door!’ you yell, and she goes in! Every time she goes in! So I say to him, ‘This has to look like The Hall,’ and he understands that.” (Scosese, interview with David Morgan)