Dressed to Kill poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Michael Caine, Angie Dickinson, Nancy Allen, Keith Gordon, Dennis Franz ... see more see more... , David Margulies , Ken Baker , Brandon Maggart , Susanna Clemm , Mary Davenport , Sean O'Rinn , Bill Randolph , Robert Lee Rush , Fred Weber , Kemper Sam Williams Jr. , Norman Evans

One of Brian De Palma's most divisive films, Dressed to Kill is a spine-chilling Alfred Hitchcock update for the late 1970s. Sexually frustrated wife and mother Kate Miller (Angie Dickinson) visits he... read more read more...r New York psychiatrist, Dr. Elliott (Michael Caine), to complain about her unfulfilling erotic life. When she then goes to meet her husband at a museum, she meets an anonymous man whom she follows out to a cab. After an afternoon of satisfying sex, Kate discovers that the man has a venereal disease, but that information becomes a moot point when a razor-wielding blonde woman slashes Kate to ribbons in the elevator of the man's building. Blonde prostitute Liz (Nancy Allen), who caught a glimpse of the murderer, becomes both the prime suspect and the killer's next target. With the police less than willing to believe her story, Liz joins forces with Kate's son Peter (Keith Gordon) to get the psychopath themselves. ~ Lucia Bozzola, Rovi

Flixster Users

70% liked it

9,245 ratings

Critics

84% liked it

38 critics

R, 1 hr. 45 min.

Directed by: Brian DePalma

Release Date: January 1, 1980

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: August 28, 2001

Get It:

Stats: 518 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Dressed to Kill French Poster Angie Dressed to Kill
Upload a Photo | View All Dressed to Kill Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (518)

  • romy861
    September 2, 2011
    romy861
    Didn't mind this, but something about it didn't quite sit right with me. Perhaps I am overanalysing it, but I really got the feeling that the director of this does not like women a great deal. My comments are based on the unrated DVD version, I have not seen the theatrical one,... read more perhaps it was not as exploitive.
    The opening scene is an extended "dream" of middle aged Kate (Angie Dickinson) in the shower, quite graphic, soaping herself down while her husband totally ignores her. Maybe it is meant to be moving, but actually the portrayal of her was pathetic and made you feel that she was ridiculous - really quite cruel to film an older woman like that, no matter how good her body might still be! There would have been nicer and just as effective ways to get that point across in a story. At any rate.......... SPOILERS............................... Kate is disposed of shortly into the film, and you kind of feel it is because she has been a bit of an old slapper and had some anonymous sex with a stranger in a motel. That the focus is then immediately shifted to the young and beautiful Nancy Allen is a second slap in the face to women.
    Don't get me wrong - Nancy Allen is what works in this movie. Even I felt it was a little dull prior to her appearance. She is very attractive and watchable and she does a good job as young prostitute, Liz. (See what I mean about this movie - old slapper, and young prostitute. Nice on the stereotypes!). I actually never really believed her as a prostitute, but anyhow, still she isn't bad in this. I am not sure this movie does the transexual community a lot of favours either, what with the killer being a cross dressing man! I won't say more than that and ruin it.
    So I would say, okay thriller, silly ending and questionable intentions, but worth it for Nancy Allen.
  • blkbomb
    August 14, 2011
    blkbomb
    Bobbi: Don't make me be a bad girl again! 

    "The Latest Fashion in Murder"

    Dressed To Kill is a suspenseful, captivating and interesting thriller from "Master of the Macabre," Brian DePalma. The film is extremely violent and sexually graphic. At the time of it's release, it spar... read moreked a lot of controversy from women, gays and some critics. Today, it doesn't seem all that controversial, but Psycho was once "controversial" too, so what are you going to do.

    The film is extremely  well-done and has many noteworthy scenes. The art gallery scene where this no dialogue for probably between 5-10 minutes is remarkable and possibly my favorite scene in the entire film. Then there's the ending which is very DePalma. Remember the ending to Carrie. We think it's over and then DePalma says Boo! one last time. 

    If I wanted to gripe about something in Dressed To Kill it would have to be that the acting is a little spotty in places; mostly from Nancy Allen, Keith Gordon and Dennis Franz. Even though these actors didn't give amazing performances by any stretch of the imagination; they don't really take too much away from the film. DePalma's direction is as close to flawless as any human can get. Michael Caine and Angie Dickinson are really good in my opinion; although I may be a little biased on Caine's behalf since he is one of my favorite actors. The plot is basically a murder-mystery. A blonde woman has stalked and killed one woman and is trying to kill a witness to the murder. I wasn't all that surprised when we find out who's behind it all. It was fairly obvious, but I didn't really care about being fooled during this movie. It was just a fun ride and I loved every minute of it. 

    I haven't seen every DePalma film(I'm working on it), but of the ones I have seen this probably comes in my top 3 of his works with Casualties of War and Scarface. DePalma definitely deserves praise as a director even if his career has gotten a little bumpy. The guy has crafted some pretty amazing films.
  • ajv2688
    February 18, 2011
    ajv2688
    A great cast, a scary story, and it's such a good homage to Hitchcock too. I'm glad I finally watched this movie all the way through. It is a bit slow at times, and maybe some people will find it predictable, especially if someone told you the end (I read about it before watchi... read moreng). If you like Hitchcock and great thrillers, you should see this movie, it's good.
  • kenstachnik
    September 30, 2010
    kenstachnik
    A pulpy sleazy 70's gem.
  • cancercapricorn2002
    April 18, 2010
    cancercapricorn2002
    Brian DePalma's Dressed to Kill is often described as a slasher movie. And that is fair enough. However, I think it more accurately can be labelled a giallo that happened to be made in the U.S. This film clearly owes more of a debt to Italian movies like The Bird with the Crystal... read more Plumage than to the later American slashers like Halloween. Many of the ingredients of the Italian giallo movie are present in this film - the psycho-sexual undertone, the androgynous black leather clad killer, the fluid camera work, the prominent musical score and the mystery element (whereas in slashers we often are fully aware who the maniac is). If Dario Argento had made a movie in America at this time, it might well have looked a lot like Dressed to Kill.

    Also, similar to the Italian prototype, the film is not strong on narrative or script; some of the dialogue is very clunky indeed. However, this not a movie that is too concerned about such things. Dressed to Kill is, first and foremost, an exercise in cinematic style. DePalma has often been accused of ripping off Alfred Hitchcock and in this movie more-so than most. While the shower scenes that bookend the film are clearly homages to Psycho, DePalma adopts the approach, first advocated by Mario Bava in Blood and Black Lace, of stripping away as much of the story as possible and, instead, focuses even more on cinematic style and violent imagery.

    DePalma is a master of potent imagery and there are a number of extremely effective set pieces here. The opening and closing shower scenes are both beautifully shot and very sinister indeed. The gallery sequence is masterfully choreographed and expertly shot. And most striking of all, is the elevator sequence, especially where Nancy Allen appears and is witness to the murder; the use of mirrors, closeups of eyes, the flashing blade and slow-motion photography all combine to produce one of the most unsettling but bravura short sequences imaginable. All of these scenes mentioned are also notable for having absolutely no dialogue in them at all. This just re-emphasises the point that this film is not about the writing but about the look and the atmosphere.

    Don't check this film out if you like water-tight plotting - there are some plot holes here (there is even a bit of a cheat regarding the killer's identity in one of the split screen sequences). However, if you like movies that are frightening, lurid and beautifully shot then Dressed to Kill is a must. It is where exploitation movies and high artistic visual flair collide in a beautiful and bloody fusion.
  • ythelastman89
    March 30, 2010
    ythelastman89
    I love Dressed To Kill. Itâ??s just an amazing plot and perfectly shot from Brian De Palma. No one shoots a film like him and this particular movie showcases his talent better than any other. I really loved Nancy Allenâ??s performance in this, itâ??s actually one of my favorite p... read moreerformances in a thriller. While I donâ??t particularly love the politics behind the killer, I understand that it was an ode to Psycho and not exactly a reflection of De Palmaâ??s actual thoughts. The thing that makes it work so well is the way it flows and the fact that thereâ??s never a dull moment.
  • DrBenway
    February 23, 2009
    DrBenway
    Its' psychological dramatics allow it to do little more than cruise around as an artsy exploitation film filled with sex and gore. It always looks good, and DePalma excels at laying lots of nice detailed personal touches on us and creating suspense by stringing together a number ... read moreof thrilling moments that can be graphic.

    Outstandingly stylish, Dressed to Kill is a first-rate thriller demonstrating Brian DePalma's talent, not just for visually stunning filmmaking, but scary material as well. An homage to Master Hitchcock's Psycho, but with a much more explicit overtone.
    Photobucket
  • Stinger839
    July 6, 2008
    Stinger839
    "So Fucked Up" highlight: shower/mirror scene
  • sononothing
    March 22, 2008
    sononothing
    For those of you that don't remember Brian DePalma when he was first starting out in big name features, let me tell you that he loved to rip off Alfred Hitchcock. Dressed to Kill is a prime example of what Hitchcock might have done if he had the R rating at his disposal.
  • ceWEBrity
    January 14, 2008
    ceWEBrity
    This is a strange, strange movie. Is it Brian De Palma's attempt to lend artistic value to camp? A poorly-acted surrealist homage to Hitchcock? Or an attempt at a transsexual thriller? All I know is that I was really digging it up until the shitty ass ending. It goes on FOREVER. ... read moreThere's a psychological explanation of the killer's behavior lifted right out of Psycho, Nancy Allen babbling incessantly about the nature of a sex change operation, and the longest "one last scare! HAHAHA" sequence in the world. The film could have ended gracefully, and with ten minutes to spare, but I guess De Palma was feeling long-winded that day.

    Anyway, I love how retroactively ingenious this is. The plot is built like a house of cards, entirely around coincidences, and it's so ridiculous that it actually works - and well, too. It's an incredibly exciting movie, even outside of the loony transvestite slashings, and it doesn't hurt that De Palma is his typical brilliant self behind the camera. If you fixed up the 27-year-old film and fashions, you could easily pass this off as an exceptional looking modern movie.

    Anyway, I'm really not sure what this movie is. It sure fulfills all the requirements for camp, like the God-awful performances; seriously, Nancy Allen, your career's waiting for you in Hell. At first I wondered Michael Caine was there since he's normally a great actor, but I checked his IMDB page and he's done a surprising amount of shit. I guess he's one of those "do whatever comes my way" actors. The violence content is surprisingly low for camp, though, so I guess it's just a suspense movie with really bad movie elements.

    I'll never be totally sold on Brian de Palma but this almost makes me want to give Blow Out another shot. Almost.

View All Dressed to Kill Reviews

Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr
September 26, 2007
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Originality has never been a high value in the genre-bound aesthetic of filmmaking, but De Palma cheapens what he steals. Full Review

Variety Staff
September 26, 2007
Variety Staff, Variety

Despite some major structural weaknesses, the cannily manipulated combination of mystery, gore and kinky sex adds up to a slick commercial package. Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

DePalma is not yet an artist of Hitchcock's stature, but he does earn the right to a comparison. Full Review

Dustin Putman
October 17, 2008
Dustin Putman, DustinPutman.com

Eerily transcendent, Dressed to Kill is a layered machine of on-target character work and the sort of tension that only the best of the best filmmakers can ratchet. Full Review

Cole Smithey
July 17, 2008
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

De Palma at his best.

September 26, 2007
Film4

This film should be celebrated as one of those purely cinematic experiences, which these days are all too few and far between. Full Review

September 26, 2007
TV Guide's Movie Guide

All dressed up with no script to go, but a feverish nerve jangler nonetheless. Full Review

Eric Henderson
September 2, 2006
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine

Inflates paperback pulp psychology into something like a plot, all the better to demonstrate that filmmaking is an inherently visual storytelling. Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson
March 4, 2006
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

Dressed to Kill (1980) is a flat-out masterpiece. Full Review

January 26, 2006
Time Out

Ultimately, the film amounts to little more than a consummate study of suspense technique, all dressed up with nowhere to go. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Basic Instinct
    Basic Instinct (100%)
  • Psycho
    Psycho (67%)
  • He Knows You're Alone (Blood Wedding)
    He Knows You're Alone (Blood Wedding) (100%)
  • Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer
    Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (0%)

More Movies like Dressed to Kill

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
    • Liz Blake: Well, what do you think?
    • Dr. Robert Elliott: I think you're a very attractive woman.
    • Liz Blake: Would you like to touch me?
    • Dr. Robert Elliott: Yes, and no, Yes, because...
    • Liz Blake: Well, why don't you?
    • Dr. Robert Elliott: I told you why.
    • Liz Blake: Oh, that's right. You're a married doctor? I remember now. I think you're full of shit.
    • Dr. Robert Elliott: You do? Just because I happen to have personal and professional ethics?
    • Liz Blake: Look, Doc, I think you're kind of shy. So, uh... I'm gonna go powder my nose... and when I come back, I hope to find your clothes right next to mine. And if not, we can just get back to the mind fuck.
Submit a Fact | View All

Dressed to Kill : Watch Free on TV

Dressed to Kill Trivia

  • WHAT MOVIE DID MICHAEL CAINE PLAY A PSYCHIATRIST WITH AN ALTER EGO THAT KILLS  Answer »
  • This masterpiece has a famous scene in an elevator, where a woman gets slashed with a razor.  Answer »
  • He's appeared in 'Dressed To Kill', 'Goldmember', 'Miss Congeniality' and 'Batman Begins' - name him.  Answer »
  • In 1946, Basil Rathbone played Sherlock Holmes for the last time. What was the movie's title?  Answer »
More Dressed to Kill Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All Dressed to Kill Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add Dressed to Kill to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?