****1/2 out of 5 (Possible Spoilers)'Body Heat' is a complete success as an archetypal neo-noir, with all the classic elements. It is a virtual remake of 'Double Indemnity' of 1944, and in many cases, is just as good. It is said early in the movie that the stuffy and hot temperature can make people do crazy things, and this imagery serves the erotically charged indiscretion between Turner and Hurt very well(this film is what 'Basic Instinct' tried to be). Turner is sultry and seductive as the quintessential femme fatale and a good yin to Hurt's yang, a naive lawyer willing to do whatever it takes to get the girl, and possibly more importantly, her husband's fortune. But as we know, the scheming noir protagonist's dream seldom takes hold and there are dire consequences. For when Hurt arrives at Turner's house early on, the camera focuses on her many wind chimes shuffling in the wind, as if to suggest that the bells have tolled for him. This film succeeds on all levels: story, acting, direction, dialogue('Why don't you lick it off?') and the imagery is impeccable. Morever, this is a film that claims to be erotic, and actually pulls it off wonderfully, a rarity when mixed with brains too.
Sounds like a great movie. Right up my ally. I'll have to get around to watching it one of these days.
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