Often referred to as “the lost Carpenter film”, Someone’s Watching Me! is an eerie and creepy, made-for-television horror film by John Carpenter.
Originally aired on NBC in 1978, Someone’s Watching Me! follows Leigh Michaels (Lauren Hutton), a live television director that has just moved to Los Angeles. After moving into a new apartment, Leigh begins to receive calls from a stranger and gifts from an unknown company. Initially, Leigh shakes off the occurrences but quickly realizes she has become victim to voyeurism. It is up to Leigh, along with help from boyfriend Paul (David Barney) and co-worker Sophie (Adrienne Barbeau), to stop the voyeur for Leigh’s privacy and peace of mind.
Over the last five decades we have seen a lot of classics directed by John Carpenter. Halloween, Starman, and Christine are just a few legendary examples of Carpenter films. Carpenter’s portfolio is one filled with different forms of terror and scares, as well as intense action. However, Someone’s Watching Me! feeds on our fear of constantly being watched.
This fear is arguably the film’s greatest strength. Every time the viewer is aware Hutton’s character is being watched or has an intruder in her home, you can’t help but feel unsettled. Carpenter does an excellent job forcing discomfort on the viewer as main character, Leigh, becomes entangled in a voyeuristic obsession. Despite over-dramatic acting and sequences (it’s the 70s), the film delivers an uneasy feeling with fear for lack of personal privacy.
Despite being released for television in 1978, the film’s picture quality is excellent on Blu-ray. While viewing, it’s obvious this is an older film, but a lot has been done to enhance the picture for optimal quality. I viewed the film in 1.85.1 widescreen, but the original 1.33.1 side matted ratio is available as well for nostalgic fans.
I admit that comparison to Carpenter’s other films and the growth of the horror genre today is an injustice to the film’s overall rating, but I do recommend viewing it for fans of classic scares. I’m not sure today’s generation will appreciate Someone’s Watching Me! for what it is, but I certainly enjoyed the film (this was my first time watching).
Someone’s Watching Me! Will be available on Blu-ray August 7, 2018 and will be able to be viewed in 1.85.1 widescreen or its original 1.33.1 side matted ratio.
Bonus features include:
- Interview with actress Adrienne Barbeau
- Interview with actor Charles Cyphers
- Horror’s Hallowed Grounds – A look at the film’s locations today
- John Carpenter: Director Rising
- TV Promos
- Photo Gallery
