Pretty Poison (1968) 2012
Directed by
Noel Black
Plot Summary
Dennis Pitt is a troubled young man recently released on parole from a mental health facility. He finds himself captivated by the teenage Sue Ann Stepenek. In a moment of deception, he convinces her that he is a covert operative, leading her to join him on various so-called “missions.” However, the situation spirals out of control when Dennis and Sue Ann attempt to sabotage a factory, following imaginary directives from the CIA.
During the chaos, they run into the factory’s night watchman, and in a shocking turn of events, Sue Ann knocks him unconscious before ultimately drowning him. While Dennis is consumed by guilt over their heinous actions, Sue Ann is strangely exhilarated by the thrill of their escapade and pressures him to flee to Mexico with her. Yet, first, they must deal with her disapproving mother.
Upon returning to Sue Ann’s house to collect her belongings, they are interrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Stepanek. It dawns on Sue Ann that Dennis lacks the capacity to kill, leading her to take matters into her own hands by shooting her mother and coercing Dennis to hide the body. Instead of complying, Dennis makes the critical decision to inform the police.
Realizing that the authorities will likely believe Sue Ann over him, Dennis chooses not to defend himself, accepting full responsibility for their actions in court. Without a second thought, Sue Ann betrays him, condemning him to a life sentence in prison. Strangely relieved to be incarcerated, Dennis feels a sense of safety away from Sue Ann, whose increasingly menacing nature has left him terrified.
Even as Dennis withholds the truth from his doubtful parole officer, Azenauer, he implores him to “see what Sue Ann is up to,” hoping to expose her true character. The film concludes with a chilling scene where Sue Ann encounters a new young man, expressing her frustrations about her current guardians and hinting that she may indeed use and ultimately destroy him, just as she did with Dennis. Unbeknownst to her, Dennis’s parole officer is diligently observing as she departs with her unsuspecting victim.
Timeline
Dennis's Release
Dennis Pitt, a troubled young man, is recently released on parole from a mental health facility. This marks the beginning of his attempt to reintegrate into society, but his mental health struggles are far from over.
Dennis Meets Sue Ann
Dennis becomes captivated by Sue Ann Stepenek, a teenager who seems to offer him a sense of normalcy. Their initial interactions set the stage for a dangerous relationship fueled by deception and fantasy.
Deceptive Operative
In a moment of mischief, Dennis convinces Sue Ann that he is a covert operative. This lie ignites a reckless series of escapades that they believe to be real missions, showcasing Dennis's instability and their shared disillusionment.
Sabotage Attempt
Dennis and Sue Ann decide to sabotage a factory based on imaginary CIA directives. Their misguided plan leads to chaos, revealing the extent to which their delusions have taken control of their actions.
Confrontation with the Watchman
During their sabotage attempt, they encounter the factory's night watchman. The situation escalates dramatically when Sue Ann knocks him unconscious, showcasing her volatility and willingness to commit violence.
The Killing
In a shocking act, Sue Ann drowns the unconscious watchman, marking a pivotal moment in their descent into darkness. This crime deepens Dennis's guilt, contrasting against Sue Ann’s exhilaration and delight in their chaotic escapade.
Plan to Flee
Despite Dennis's guilt, Sue Ann insists they flee to Mexico to escape the consequences of their actions. The idea of escape reflects Sue Ann's manipulative nature and her ability to lead Dennis further down a dark path.
Confronting Sue Ann's Mother
Before they can leave, Dennis and Sue Ann return to her house to collect her belongings. Their return is abruptly interrupted by Mrs. Stepanek, adding tension to an already fraught situation as Sue Ann begins to plot.
Betrayal and Murder
In a moment of desperation, Sue Ann realizes Dennis's moral hesitation and kills her mother. This act of betrayal signifies not only her moral decay but also her complete control over Dennis, who is paralyzed by fear.
Dennis's Decision
Faced with the horror of what has transpired, Dennis decides to inform the police rather than assist Sue Ann. His choice to seek redemption symbolizes his struggle against the destructive influence Sue Ann has over him.
Courtroom Betrayal
In court, Dennis accepts full responsibility for their actions, perhaps hoping to protect Sue Ann or seeking some twisted form of honor. However, she betrays him, confidently condemning him to a life sentence without remorse.
Life Sentence
Relieved to be incarcerated, Dennis feels a strange sense of safety away from Sue Ann, whose manipulative nature has consumed him. His imprisonment allows him to reflect on his choices and the chaotic path he was led down.
Azenauer's Doubts
Dennis withholds crucial truths from his parole officer, Azenauer, while imploring him to investigate Sue Ann's true character. His deep-seated fears and the need for validation fuel his desire to expose her manipulative nature.
Sue Ann's Next Target
The film closes with a chilling scene of Sue Ann meeting another young man, indicating her continued pattern of destruction. She expresses her frustrations, hinting that she plans to use her new target just as she did with Dennis.
Final Observations
Unbeknownst to Sue Ann, Dennis's parole officer is observing as she departs with her latest victim. This ominous ending leaves the audience questioning the cycle of manipulation and violence that Sue Ann perpetuates.
Characters
Dennis Pitt (Anthony Perkins)
Dennis is portrayed as a troubled young man, recently released from a mental health facility, embodying vulnerability and guilt. His struggles between reality and deception lead him to make grave choices that ultimately haunt him.
Sue Ann Stepenek (Tuesday Weld)
Sue Ann is a manipulative and thrill-seeking teenager, whose exhilaration from danger drives the plot forward. Her transformation from naive girl to an embodiment of danger is both compelling and chilling, revealing a darker side to youthful rebellion.
Setting
Time period
The events unfold in a contemporary setting relevant to the late 1960s, a time marked by societal changes and a growing sense of rebellion among youth. This backdrop amplifies the themes of deception and the quest for acceptance that the characters experience.
Location
Factory, Mexico
The movie takes significant action in a factory environment, a setting known for its industrial activities and often depicted as a place of labor and machinery. The mention of Mexico signifies a place of potential escape and adventure, representing both freedom and danger in the narrative.
Themes
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Manipulation
The theme of manipulation is central to the movie, as Dennis deceives Sue Ann into believing he is a covert operative. This deception spirals out of control, illustrating how manipulation can lead to dire consequences.
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Despair
Despair resonates through Dennis's character as he grapples with guilt and the fallout from their actions. His internal struggle highlights the profound emotional toll following poor decisions and moral decay.
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Violence
The film encapsulates the theme of violence, showcasing how seemingly innocuous decisions lead to heinous acts. Sue Ann's transformation into a figure capable of such brutality raises questions about human nature and the capacity for harm.
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