Pacific Heights (1990) Movie Review: A Psychological Thriller with a Chilling Tenant
Pacific Heights, directed by John Schlesinger and released in 1990, is a psychological thriller that delves into the world of real estate nightmares and tenant-from-hell scenarios. Starring Melanie Griffith, Matthew Modine, and Michael Keaton, the film explores the tension and terror that arise when a seemingly perfect tenant turns into a nightmare, disrupting the lives of a young couple who dream of owning property in the affluent neighborhood of Pacific Heights, San Francisco.
With its dark undertones and a chilling performance by Michael Keaton, Pacific Heights serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trust, greed, and obsession. This review will explore the plot, key performances, and the themes that make Pacific Heights a noteworthy entry in the psychological thriller genre.
Plot Summary: Dreams of Homeownership Become a Nightmare
The film follows Patty Palmer (Melanie Griffith) and Drake Goodman (Matthew Modine), a young couple who have invested all their savings in purchasing and renovating a Victorian house in the upscale neighborhood of Pacific Heights. With the goal of renting out the two downstairs apartments to help cover the mortgage, they believe they have found the perfect plan to secure their financial future. The couple meticulously renovates the property, turning it into a dream home.
Things take a dark turn when Carter Hayes (Michael Keaton) moves in as one of their tenants. At first glance, Carter seems like a wealthy and charming businessman, paying his rent upfront and showing interest in the property. However, it doesn’t take long for his true nature to surface. Carter refuses to pay rent, changes the locks, and makes life miserable for Patty and Drake through a series of manipulative and increasingly malicious actions.
As they learn more about Carter’s background, the couple realizes that he is not who he claims to be. Carter’s intent is to destroy their lives, taking advantage of legal loopholes to remain in the property while financially and psychologically ruining them. What follows is a tense battle of wills as Patty and Drake try to evict Carter and reclaim control of their home, all while dealing with the unraveling of their personal and professional lives.
Key Performances: Michael Keaton’s Terrifying Turn
Michael Keaton as Carter Hayes
Michael Keaton delivers a chilling performance as Carter Hayes, the villain of the film. Known for his more likable roles in comedies before this, Keaton’s portrayal of the sociopathic tenant is a complete departure from his usual characters. He brings an unsettling intensity to the role, making Carter both charming and terrifying. Keaton’s ability to switch from calm and composed to menacing and unhinged keeps the audience on edge throughout the film.
Carter is a master manipulator, using the law to his advantage and finding loopholes that prevent Patty and Drake from evicting him. Keaton plays the role with a cold detachment, making Carter a villain who feels all the more dangerous because of his methodical, calculated approach to ruining the couple’s lives.
Melanie Griffith as Patty Palmer
Melanie Griffith’s performance as Patty is a strong counterbalance to Keaton’s malevolence. Patty starts off as an optimistic, determined woman with dreams of a stable future. However, as Carter’s behavior becomes increasingly threatening, we see her transform into a resourceful and determined fighter. Griffith portrays Patty’s emotional journey with nuance, balancing vulnerability with resilience. She becomes the heart of the film, particularly in the second half when she takes matters into her own hands.
Matthew Modine as Drake Goodman
Matthew Modine’s Drake is the more impulsive and reactionary of the couple, and Modine effectively portrays Drake’s descent into desperation as he realizes that his dream of homeownership is slipping away. While Drake’s approach to the situation is more aggressive, often leading to poor decisions, Modine gives the character enough depth to make his actions understandable, if not always sympathetic. His growing frustration and helplessness are palpable, especially as Carter continues to outmaneuver him legally and emotionally.
Themes: Power, Control, and the Dark Side of the American Dream
1. The Nightmare of Homeownership
At its core, Pacific Heights is a commentary on the dark side of the American dream. Patty and Drake represent the typical young couple trying to build a life for themselves by investing in real estate. They believe that owning property in a prestigious neighborhood will secure their financial future, but their dream quickly turns into a nightmare. The film taps into the anxiety and fear that come with homeownership, particularly the loss of control when a tenant refuses to leave or pay rent.
The film serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who assumes that owning property will automatically lead to stability and success. Instead, it shows how easily things can spiral out of control when the wrong person is allowed into your home — or in this case, your investment property.
2. The Power of Manipulation and Legal Loopholes
Carter Hayes’ ability to manipulate the law and exploit legal loopholes is a central theme of the film. He uses his knowledge of tenant rights and the legal system to stay in the apartment without paying rent, making it nearly impossible for Patty and Drake to evict him. The film highlights the frustrations of dealing with a system that seems to favor the tenant, even when the tenant is clearly in the wrong. It also explores the feeling of helplessness that comes from knowing that someone is using the law against you in a malicious way.
3. Psychological Terror and Control
Carter’s actions are not just about refusing to pay rent; they are about asserting control over Patty and Drake’s lives. His presence in their home becomes a form of psychological terror, as he slowly and methodically dismantles their sense of security. Carter’s ability to create fear and chaos without ever resorting to outright violence makes him a particularly chilling antagonist. The film explores the idea that control can be exerted in subtle, insidious ways, and that psychological manipulation can be just as damaging as physical harm.
Visual Style and Atmosphere: Tension in an Affluent Setting
Set in the affluent neighborhood of Pacific Heights in San Francisco, the film uses its setting to heighten the tension. The pristine, expensive Victorian house contrasts sharply with the chaos and fear that Carter brings into the couple’s lives. The house, which should represent safety and success, becomes a prison as Patty and Drake feel increasingly trapped by their situation.
Schlesinger’s direction emphasizes the claustrophobia and paranoia that come with losing control over one’s home. The cinematography makes excellent use of the confined spaces within the house, adding to the feeling of being watched and manipulated by an unseen force. The tension builds slowly, with moments of quiet dread punctuated by sudden bursts of conflict, creating an atmosphere of constant unease.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Tense Thriller with Some Flaws
Strengths:
- Michael Keaton’s Villainous Performance: Keaton’s portrayal of Carter Hayes is the film’s standout element. His ability to switch between charm and menace keeps the audience on edge and makes Carter one of the most memorable villains in 1990s cinema.
- Tense Atmosphere: The film effectively builds tension, using the house as a symbol of both safety and entrapment. Schlesinger’s direction and the film’s pacing create a sense of mounting dread that keeps the audience invested.
- Psychological Depth: Unlike many thrillers that rely on physical violence, Pacific Heights focuses on the psychological warfare between the tenant and the landlords. The legal and emotional manipulation Carter uses makes the conflict feel more personal and intense.
Weaknesses:
- Slow Pacing in the First Half: The film takes its time establishing the premise, and some viewers may find the first half slow as it builds tension. While this pacing works to create atmosphere, it may test the patience of those expecting more immediate thrills.
- Limited Character Development for Supporting Cast: While the central trio of characters is well-developed, some of the supporting characters, particularly Drake, could have used more depth. Drake’s actions sometimes come across as impulsive, and more exploration of his motivations would have added to the film’s emotional complexity.
- Predictable Plot Points: As a psychological thriller, Pacific Heights hits many familiar beats. Some of the plot developments feel predictable, particularly for viewers familiar with tenant-from-hell stories. However, Keaton’s performance elevates these moments, making them feel fresh despite their familiarity.
Where to Watch Pacific Heights Online: Streaming and Rental Services
If you’re interested in watching Pacific Heights, here are a few platforms where it is available in the U.S.:
Streaming Services:
- HBO Max – Available for streaming with a subscription.
- Hulu – Streaming with the HBO Max add-on.
- Amazon Prime Video – Available to stream with an HBO Max subscription.
Rental and Purchase Options:
- Apple TV – Available for rental or purchase in SD and HD formats.
- Google Play Movies & TV – You can rent or purchase the film on Google Play.
- Vudu – Rental and purchase options are available.
Final Verdict: A Tense, Character-Driven Thriller with Lasting Impact
Pacific Heights is a tense and unsettling thriller that explores the darker side of homeownership and the terror that comes with losing control of your own space. Michael Keaton’s chilling performance as Carter Hayes elevates the film, making him one of the most memorable villains in the psychological thriller genre. While the pacing may be slow for some and the plot predictable at times, the film’s focus on psychological terror and manipulation sets it apart from more conventional thrillers.
For fans of psychological dramas and thrillers, Pacific Heights is a compelling watch, offering a unique take on tenant-landlord conflicts with lasting suspense.
