Richard Marquand (1937–1987)

Oddly structured film, the first half of which is a decent spy pursuit drama as ruthless German agent Faber (Donald Sutherland) tries to evade British forces during the Second World War. The second half is something of a deadly psycho-drama after Faber washes up on a remote Scottish island, where crippled ex-spitfire pilot David (Christopher Cazenove) and his lonely, frustrated wife Lucy (Kate Nelligan) are living out a bitter existence. Faber and Lucy embark on a sex-driven romance before the truth of the situation becomes clear. Director Richard Marquand plays out the first half of the film in an engaging if conventional manner. The second half, however, is full of tension and emotion as the affair between the lonely couple grows before turning into an edgy thriller. Donald Sutherland is both creepy and charming and always entertaining to watch. Kate Nelligan is excellent as she goes through the emotionally ringer before ending up in a desperate life-ot-death battle. Overall "Eye of the Needle" is a gripping thriller, with a set of interesting characters, a tightly wound plot and the oddest of doomed romances.… (plus d'informations)