Remember My Name

Released in 1978, the psychological thriller "Remember My Name" was written and directed by Alan Rudolph. Starring Geraldine Chaplin and Anthony Perkins, the film tells the harrowing story of a young woman's descent into madness. The movie opens with a title card that reads, "In the city of angels, she came to claim one." The scene then cuts to a prison, where a young woman, Henrietta, played by Geraldine Chaplin, is being released from a correctional facility. The exact nature of her crime is not revealed, but it is clear that she has spent some time behind bars. As Henrietta exits the prison, she is greeted by a stern-faced corrections officer who cautions her to "keep in touch." Henrietta's release is a pivotal moment in the film, marking her transition from a life of confinement to one of freedom. However, it is also a turning point for her downward spiral into madness. As she boards a bus that takes her to the outskirts of Los Angeles, Henrietta seems determined to start anew. She sits alone in the back of the bus, her eyes scanning the passing landscape, her thoughts lost in the haze of uncertainty. Upon her arrival in Los Angeles, Henrietta settles into a small apartment in a seedy part of town. She spends her days aimlessly wandering the city, lost in thought, and her nights drinking alone in dimly lit bars. The film's cinematography captures the stark beauty of the city, with the neon-lit streets and towering skyscrapers serving as a stark contrast to Henrietta's inner turmoil. As Henrietta roams the city, she sets her sights on a married construction worker, John, played by Anthony Perkins. What motivates her obsession with John is never explicitly stated, adding to the film's enigmatic and unsettling nature. She begins by following him, watching him from afar, and eventually, she starts leaving him notes and gifts. These gestures, meant to be romantic, are misinterpreted by John as a twisted game of cat and mouse. John's wife, Kathy, played by Marilyn Hassett, is oblivious to Henrietta's fixation on her husband, but John becomes increasingly agitated as the situation spirals out of control. Despite his attempts to brush off Henrietta's advances, she continues to escalate her behavior, moving from passive observation to active harassment. As the film progresses, Henrietta's actions become more erratic and menacing. She breaks into John's home, destroys his property, and even physically assaults him. The authorities are eventually called in, and Henrietta is arrested, but her actions continue to take a toll on John and Kathy. The couple becomes increasingly isolated, unable to escape the fear that Henrietta's fixation has instilled in them. Throughout the film, Chaplin's performance is a masterclass in portrayal. Her portrayal of Henrietta's fragility, vulnerability, and eventual descent into madness is both captivating and unsettling. Perkins, as John, conveys a sense of desperation and confusion, while Hassett's Kathy serves as a sympathetic and grounded voice of reason. In the film's climactic final act, Henrietta's actions become more destructive and violent. The once-tidy streets of Los Angeles are replaced with a bleak, dystopian landscape, reflecting the chaos that has taken hold of Henrietta's mind. In the end, Henrietta's obsession consumes her completely, leaving John and Kathy shattered and broken. "Remember My Name" is a haunting portrayal of the darker aspects of the human psyche. It is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, a thought-provoking exploration of the blurred lines between reality and madness. The film's ambiguous ending raises more questions than answers, leaving the viewer to ponder the underlying motivations behind Henrietta's actions. Ultimately, the film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked obsession and the devastating consequences of allowing it to consume our lives. "Remember My Name" is a must-see for anyone interested in the genre of psychological thrillers, offering a thought-provoking and unsettling viewing experience that refuses to let go.